Lithium nitrate is a lithium salt of aqua fortis (nitric acid), an alkali metal nitrate. The chemical formula of lithium nitrate is. This lithium salt is a product of the chemical reaction between nitric acid and lithium carbonate. The other by-products of the chemical reaction include water and carbon dioxide.
Lithium nitrate is an inorganic compound, which has several industrial uses around the world. Some of the most common uses of lithium nitrate include: This inorganic compound is used for manufacturing nickel batteries.
- Metal colouring
- Red-coloured fireworks
- Production of hardening oil and ceramics
Apart from industrial use, nitrate lithium salt has chemical benefits. For example, lithium salt can be used as a heat exchange media, a laboratory reagent and oxidising agent.
Lithium nitrate is highly soluble in water. For example, at 100 °C, 234g of salt dissolves in 100ml of water. Lithium nitrate also has high solubility to the following solvents:
- Ethanol
- Acetone
- Ammonia
- Methanol
Lithium nitrate is used as a powerful and effective additive in an ether electrolyte. Its primary role is to increase the stability needed in batteries that contain lithium metal anodes.
So, in which industries can we find lithium nitrate being used? The chemical compound has several uses:
- Used in the construction of roads and engineering
- Used in electronics (batteries, cameras, mobiles, etc.),
- Used in gardening and lawing appliances
- Treating surfaces
- Manufacturing of writing materials like inks
Physical Uses of Lithium Nitrate
Like most chemical compounds, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions when handling this lithium salt. Lithium nitrate can be toxic to the body if ingested or exposed to the skin. In case you are exposed to the chemical compound, you need to clean the affected place. Suppose you consume lithium salt; it’s best to seek immediate medical support.
Below are the common physical uses of lithium nitrate:
- It can be applied as a liquid ammonia stabiliser in refrigeration equipment.
- Used as oxidants of pyrotechnic manufacture (preparation of fireworks).
- Used in the composition of molten salt.
- Used as an oxidant in rocket propellant and the metallurgical industry.
In the electroplating industry, lithium nitrate has many uses. But, first, it’s used as a:
- Analytical reagent
- Dissolving agent
- Cooling agent
- Heat exchange carrier
In the electroplating industry, metal objects are coated with a skinny layer of different metals. This lithium salt is also used as a catalyst for painting. In addition, it’s responsible for speeding up the formation of polymers from resin.
Currently, lithium nitrate is being tested as a possible concrete reinforcement. But, makes its application on concrete pavement increase the resistance of concrete to adverse weather effects?
