Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) LiOH
LiOH · CAS 1310-65-2
Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is a white, hygroscopic solid that is corrosive and toxic in handling.
Evidence level
2 of 5
Lab-measured
- 0Predicted only. No one has made it, or no measurement exists.
- 1Calculated. Only calculated or predicted values from sources.
- 2Lab-measured. Measured properties with their conditions stated.
- 3Space-relevant tests. Measured in conditions relevant to space, such as vacuum or atomic oxygen.
- 4Ground-qualified. Qualified for an application on the ground.
- 5Flown or field-proven. Flight or field results exist.
Melting
450 to 471 °C
Solubility in water
12.8 g/100ml at 20 °C
Heat limit
924 °C
Density
2.54 g/cm3
Recipe, share of the weight
- Li not statedLithium
- O not statedOxygen
- H not statedHydrogen
Best for
Scrubbing carbon dioxide from a closed breathing loop, where it was the principal absorbent used by NASA in the Shuttle (Jaunsen, 1989)
Weakest at
Corrosive and toxic in handling: ICSC 0913 gives the signal word DANGER and warns that it is fatal if inhaled
Risk at a glance
- People High. Corrosive; toxic if swallowed or inhaled
- If it fails Moderate. Hydrogen release on contact with aluminium, tin or zinc
- Corrosion No data. No corrosion data recorded
Quick facts: LiOH
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.54 g/cm³ | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Melting point | 450 to 473 °C | 2 sourced values across conditions |
What is the density of Lithium hydroxide (LiOH)?
Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) has a density of 2.54 g/cm³. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the melting point of Lithium hydroxide (LiOH)?
Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) has a melting point of 450 to 473 °C. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Carbon dioxide scrubber canisters in a crewed spacecraft breathing loop (Space Shuttle); Lunar module breathing-gas canisters (Apollo 13); Lithium iron phosphate cathode precursor.
Why it exists
Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is a white, hygroscopic solid that takes carbon dioxide out of breathing gas. In spacecraft it served as the CO2 absorbent in Shuttle scrubbers (Jaunsen, 1989) and in lunar-module canisters on Apollo 13 (Wikipedia). It is also a lithium precursor for lithium iron phosphate cathodes (2026 review). Its handling hazards are serious: ICSC gives the signal word DANGER.
Where it's used
Spacecraft air scrubbing
The 1989 Naval Academy report abstract calls LiOH the principal chemical absorbent used as a carbon dioxide scrubber material by NASA in the shuttle spacecraft. Wikipedia reports that LiOH canisters in the lunar module were lifelines for the Apollo 13 astronauts.
Lithium iron phosphate cathodes
A 2026 review of LiFePO4 synthesis lists LiOH·H2O among the common lithium precursors. The review says LiOH is highly reactive and can react with iron and phosphorus sources at low temperatures.
Alkaline storage batteries
PubChem's use list includes alkaline storage batteries, lithium-based greases and carbon dioxide absorbents.
Recipe
LiOH
LiOH has one lithium, one oxygen and one hydrogen atom per formula unit, as written in the ICSC card (formula LiOH). How it is made is not recorded here.
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium Li | not stated | The alkali metal in the compound. At the surface it becomes lithium carbonate when LiOH reacts with carbon dioxide. |
| Oxygen O | not stated | Part of the hydroxide group, which reacts with carbon dioxide in an absorber canister. |
| Hydrogen H | not stated | Part of the hydroxide group, bonded to the oxygen atom. |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Melting
450 to 471 °C
measured
ICSC gives a melting range of 450 to 471 °C. PubChem gives 473 °C. The two sources disagree, so both are recorded.
Solubility in water
12.8 g/100ml at 20 °C
measured
ICSC lists the solubility in water as 12.8 g per 100 ml at 20 °C and describes it as good.
Heat limit
924 °C
measured
ICSC says LiOH decomposes on heating above 924 °C and produces toxic fumes.
Density
2.54 g/cm3
measured
ICSC gives a density of 2.54 g/cm3 for the crystalline solid.
How it compares
LiOH is more reactive than lithium carbonate, the other common lithium source for LFP cathodes. The 2026 review describes lithium carbonate as chemically stable and as the dominant industrial source of lithium, while it describes LiOH as hygroscopic and as reacting with carbon dioxide at the surface. The same review notes that LiOH-derived LFP often shows improved rate capability in some syntheses. The table compares LiOH's density, melting point and solubility with the ranges printed in the record.
The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Compare every grade in the family.
| Measurement | LiOH |
|---|---|
| Thermal behavior and safety | |
| Melting point rangeRange printed in the ICSC card | 450 to 471 °C |
| Melting point, PubChem value | 473 °C2 |
| Physical and electrical | |
| Density of the solid | 2.54 g/cm³1 |
| Density, PubChem value | 2.54 g/cm³5 |
| Temperature behavior | |
| Decomposition temperatureValue printed in the ICSC card | 924 °C |
| Other measurements | |
| Boiling point, PubChem valueExperimental value listed in the PubChem record | 1626 °C3 |
| Solubility in water at 20 °C | 12.8 g/100ml4 |
| Standard enthalpy of formation, gas | -234.3 kJ/mol6 |
| Standard entropy, gas | 210.7 J/mol*K7 |
| Standard enthalpy of formation, solid | -484.9 kJ/mol8 |
| Standard entropy, solid | 42.81 J/mol*K9 |
| Standard enthalpy of formation, liquid | -474.4 kJ/mol10 |
Why choose it, and why not
Good for
- Carbon dioxide removal in a closed breathing loop, where the Shuttle used it as the principal absorbent (Jaunsen, 1989).
- A lithium source for LFP cathode synthesis, where the 2026 review says it is highly reactive and can react at low temperatures.
Watch out for
- Corrosive and toxic. ICSC gives the signal word DANGER and warns that it is fatal if inhaled. PubChem's GHS summary lists H314.
- It absorbs water and carbon dioxide from air and forms lithium carbonate at the surface.
- It is corrosive to aluminium, tin and zinc and releases hydrogen on contact (ICSC). No corrosion rate was found.
LiOH is a documented carbon dioxide absorbent for crewed spacecraft and a useful lithium precursor, but it is a corrosive solid that must be kept dry and handled with full protection.
Used in space products
Space hardware whose maker names LiOH, with the part it is used for.
| Product | Where it is used |
|---|---|
| Apollo Lunar Module (LM)Grumman / NASA | Atmosphere revitalization section and lithium hydroxide canister |
Technical details
For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Density of the solid | Value printed in the ICSC card (printed there as g/cm³) | form crystalline solid, as listed in the ICSC physical datatemperature not printed | — |
| 2 | Melting point, PubChem value | Experimental value listed in the PubChem record; the original reference is not shown in the record read | form not stated in the record | The ICSC card gives 450-471 °C; the two sources disagree. |
| 3 | Boiling point, PubChem value | — | pressure 760 mm Hg | The ICSC card reports decomposition at 924 °C instead of a boiling point, so this value has no second source. |
| 4 | Solubility in water at 20 °C | Value printed in the ICSC card and repeated in the PubChem record | temperature 20 °Csolvent water | — |
| 5 | Density, PubChem value | Experimental value listed in the PubChem record (same figure as the ICSC card) | form not stated in the record | The PubChem record also lists 1.45 @25 °C with no unit, which is not recorded here. |
| 6 | Standard enthalpy of formation, gas | Review value printed on the NIST WebBook (Chase, 1998; NIST notes data last reviewed in June, 1971) | phase gas | — |
| 7 | Standard entropy, gas | Review value printed on the NIST WebBook (Chase, 1998) | phase gaspressure 1 bar | — |
| 8 | Standard enthalpy of formation, solid | Review value printed on the NIST WebBook (Chase, 1998) | phase solid | — |
| 9 | Standard entropy, solid | Review value printed on the NIST WebBook (Chase, 1998) | phase solidpressure 1 bar | — |
| 10 | Standard enthalpy of formation, liquid | Review value printed on the NIST WebBook (Chase, 1998) | phase liquid, as printed by NIST | — |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium, tin and zinc in contact with aqueous LiOH | not rated | The ICSC card says LiOH is corrosive to aluminium, tin and zinc and that the reaction releases flammable hydrogen. It gives no corrosion rate.1 |
| Ambient air with moisture and carbon dioxide during storage | not rated | LiOH takes up water and CO2 from air and forms lithium carbonate at the surface.2 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aluminium, tin and zinc in contact with aqueous LiOH | ICSC 0913 says the solution reacts violently with acid and is corrosive to aluminium, tin and zinc, producing flammable or explosive hydrogen gas. | form aqueous solution (ICSC chemical dangers text)measurement qualitative only; no corrosion rate printed |
| 2 | Ambient air with moisture and carbon dioxide during storage | The 2026 LFP review says LiOH is hygroscopic and readily reacts with atmospheric CO2 to form Li2CO3 at the surface. PubChem's record, citing the Merck Index, says it readily absorbs carbon dioxide and water from air. | exposure air at ambient conditions; time and humidity not statedproduct lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
ICSC gives the signal word DANGER: LiOH is fatal if inhaled, toxic if swallowed and causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
- Skin and eyes
- Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Rinse with plenty of water and refer for medical attention at once (ICSC).
- Inhalation
- Dust can reach a harmful airborne concentration quickly when dispersed. PubChem's summary records pulmonary edema after high inhalation exposure.
- Ingestion
- Toxic if swallowed. Do not induce vomiting; give water to drink and refer for medical attention (ICSC).
On contact with water or metals
Dilution and contact with some metals can both produce heat or hydrogen.
- Dilution
- Dilution with water may generate enough heat to cause steaming or spattering (PubChem).
- Metals
- Aluminium, tin and zinc are corroded and release flammable hydrogen (ICSC). The ICSC card gives no rate.
Storage
Moisture and carbon dioxide convert the surface to lithium carbonate (2026 review).
- Container
- Store dry and well closed in the original container, away from food, oxidants and acids (ICSC).
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen release on contact with aluminium, tin or zincmoderate severity | Aqueous LiOH in contact with those metalsICSC says this produces flammable or explosive hydrogen gas. |
| Surface carbonation during storagelow severity | Storage in moist air containing carbon dioxideLiOH forms lithium carbonate at the surface when it is exposed to atmospheric CO2. |
Side effects on surrounding parts
| Affects | Effect |
|---|---|
| Operator and nearby containers | Dilution with water may generate enough heat to cause steaming or spattering. |
Handling and storage
- Store dry, tightly closed in the original container, separated from food and feedstuffs, strong oxidants and strong acids, and in an area without drain or sewer access (ICSC).
- Prevent dust formation. Use local exhaust or breathing protection, protective gloves, protective clothing, and face shield or eye protection (ICSC).
- For spills, sweep the substance into covered plastic containers and do not let it enter the environment (ICSC).
Mitigations
- Skin contact: remove contaminated clothes, rinse the skin with plenty of water or shower, and refer immediately for medical attention (ICSC first aid).
- Eye contact: rinse with plenty of water, remove contact lenses if easily possible, and refer immediately for medical attention (ICSC first aid).
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Lithium (feedstock for lithium hydroxide)
Not stated in the USGS lithium chapter read in this run
- Top producers (2025)
- Australia 31.7%, China 21.4%, Chile 19.3%, Zimbabwe 9.7%, Argentina 7.9%
- Recycling
- USGS: construction of lithium battery recycling plants continued throughout 2025.
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
Full record
The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.
Show the full YAML
spore: profile
id: lithium-hydroxide
spore_version: 0.2
family: lithium
name: Lithium hydroxide (LiOH)
abbreviation: LiOH
role: CO2 absorbent and lithium precursor
category: ceramics
type: oxides
summary: |
Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is a white, hygroscopic solid that is corrosive and toxic in handling. ICSC 0913 gives its density as 2.54 g/cm3 and its water solubility as 12.8 g per 100 ml at 20 °C. Its best-documented space use is as the carbon dioxide absorbent in Shuttle breathing-loop scrubbers.
best_for: Scrubbing carbon dioxide from a closed breathing loop, where it was the principal absorbent used by NASA in the Shuttle (Jaunsen, 1989)
weakest_at: 'Corrosive and toxic in handling: ICSC 0913 gives the signal word DANGER and warns that it is fatal if inhaled'
identity:
formula: LiOH
cas: 1310-65-2
source: icsc0913
where: 'Header block: CAS #: 1310-65-2 and EC Number: 215-183-4'
tags:
environments: []
stresses: []
applications:
- habitats-and-suits
- batteries
properties:
- benchmark: density
label: Density of the solid
value: 2.54
unit: g/cm3
scope: material
conditions:
form: crystalline solid, as listed in the ICSC physical data
temperature: not printed
method: Value printed in the ICSC card (printed there as g/cm³)
status: ground
source: icsc0913
where: 'Physical and chemical information, Density: 2.54 g/cm³'
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Melting point range
value: 450
value_high: 471
bound: range
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
form: solid
note: range printed as 450-471°C in the ICSC card
method: Range printed in the ICSC card
status: ground
source: icsc0913
where: 'Physical and chemical information, Melting point: 450-471°C'
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Melting point, PubChem value
value: 473
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
form: not stated in the record
method: Experimental value listed in the PubChem record; the original reference is not shown in the record read
status: ground
note: The ICSC card gives 450-471 °C; the two sources disagree.
source: pubchem-lioh
where: 'Experimental Properties, Melting Point: 473 °C'
- benchmark: decomposition_temperature
label: Decomposition temperature
value: 924
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
atmosphere: not stated
note: 'ICSC: decomposes on heating above 924°C and produces toxic fumes'
method: Value printed in the ICSC card
status: ground
source: icsc0913
where: Physical and chemical information, Decomposes at 924°C; Chemical dangers
- benchmark: boiling_point
label: Boiling point, PubChem value
value: 1626
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
pressure: 760 mm Hg
method: Experimental value listed in the PubChem record
status: ground
note: The ICSC card reports decomposition at 924 °C instead of a boiling point, so this value has no second source.
source: pubchem-lioh
where: 'Experimental Properties, Boiling Point: 1626 °C @760 [mm Hg]'
- benchmark: water_solubility
label: Solubility in water at 20 °C
value: 12.8
unit: g/100ml
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 20 °C
solvent: water
method: Value printed in the ICSC card and repeated in the PubChem record
status: ground
source: icsc0913
where: 'Physical and chemical information, Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 12.8 (good)'
- benchmark: density
label: Density, PubChem value
value: 2.54
unit: g/cm3
scope: material
conditions:
form: not stated in the record
method: Experimental value listed in the PubChem record (same figure as the ICSC card)
status: ground
note: The PubChem record also lists 1.45 @25 °C with no unit, which is not recorded here.
source: pubchem-lioh
where: 'Experimental Properties, Density: 2.54 g/cm³'
- benchmark: enthalpy_of_formation
label: Standard enthalpy of formation, gas
value: -234.3
unit: kJ/mol
scope: material
conditions:
phase: gas
method: Review value printed on the NIST WebBook (Chase, 1998; NIST notes data last reviewed in June, 1971)
status: ground
source: nist-webbook
where: Gas phase thermochemistry data, row Δf H° gas
- benchmark: standard_entropy
label: Standard entropy, gas
value: 210.67
unit: J/mol*K
scope: material
conditions:
phase: gas
pressure: 1 bar
method: Review value printed on the NIST WebBook (Chase, 1998)
status: ground
source: nist-webbook
where: Gas phase thermochemistry data, row S° gas,1 bar
- benchmark: enthalpy_of_formation
label: Standard enthalpy of formation, solid
value: -484.93
unit: kJ/mol
scope: material
conditions:
phase: solid
method: Review value printed on the NIST WebBook (Chase, 1998)
status: ground
source: nist-webbook-cond
where: Condensed phase thermochemistry data, row Δf H° solid
- benchmark: standard_entropy
label: Standard entropy, solid
value: 42.81
unit: J/mol*K
scope: material
conditions:
phase: solid
pressure: 1 bar
method: Review value printed on the NIST WebBook (Chase, 1998)
status: ground
source: nist-webbook-cond
where: Condensed phase thermochemistry data, row S° solid
- benchmark: enthalpy_of_formation
label: Standard enthalpy of formation, liquid
value: -474.42
unit: kJ/mol
scope: material
conditions:
phase: liquid, as printed by NIST
method: Review value printed on the NIST WebBook (Chase, 1998)
status: ground
source: nist-webbook-cond
where: Condensed phase thermochemistry data, row Δf H° liquid
corrosion:
- environment: Aluminium, tin and zinc in contact with aqueous LiOH
headline: The ICSC card says LiOH is corrosive to aluminium, tin and zinc and that the reaction releases flammable hydrogen. It gives no corrosion rate.
effect: ICSC 0913 says the solution reacts violently with acid and is corrosive to aluminium, tin and zinc, producing flammable or explosive hydrogen gas.
rating: unknown
conditions:
form: aqueous solution (ICSC chemical dangers text)
measurement: qualitative only; no corrosion rate printed
source: icsc0913
where: Physical and chemical information, Chemical dangers
- environment: Ambient air with moisture and carbon dioxide during storage
headline: LiOH takes up water and CO2 from air and forms lithium carbonate at the surface.
effect: The 2026 LFP review says LiOH is hygroscopic and readily reacts with atmospheric CO2 to form Li2CO3 at the surface. PubChem's record, citing the Merck Index, says it readily absorbs carbon dioxide and water from air.
rating: unknown
conditions:
exposure: air at ambient conditions; time and humidity not stated
product: lithium carbonate (Li2CO3)
source: yin2026
where: Text on LiOH-derived precursors in the LFP synthesis discussion
risks:
hazards:
- text: 'ICSC 0913 classifies lithium hydroxide under UN GHS criteria with the signal word DANGER: fatal if inhaled, toxic if swallowed, and causes severe skin burns and eye damage.'
ghs: []
source: icsc0913
where: Classification and labelling, According to UN GHS Criteria
- text: PubChem's GHS summary, built from company notifications, lists H314 (causes severe skin burns and eye damage) with H301, H331 and H318 as other reported statements.
ghs:
- H314
- H301
- H331
- H318
source: pubchem-lioh
where: Safety and Hazards, GHS Classification, Hazard Statements
- text: 'PubChem''s hazards summary: corrosive to skin; high inhalation exposure can cause pulmonary edema; causes abnormal liver function test results in animal experiments.'
ghs: []
source: pubchem-lioh
where: Safety and Hazards, Hazards Summary
- text: ICSC warns that evaporation is negligible at 20 °C, but a harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when the material is dispersed.
ghs: []
source: icsc0913
where: Exposure and health effects, Inhalation risk
failure_risks:
- mode: Hydrogen release on contact with aluminium, tin or zinc
trigger: Aqueous LiOH in contact with those metals
consequence: ICSC says this produces flammable or explosive hydrogen gas.
severity: moderate
source: icsc0913
where: Physical and chemical information, Chemical dangers
- mode: Surface carbonation during storage
trigger: Storage in moist air containing carbon dioxide
consequence: LiOH forms lithium carbonate at the surface when it is exposed to atmospheric CO2.
severity: low
source: yin2026
where: Text on LiOH-derived precursors in the LFP synthesis discussion
side_effects:
- text: Dilution with water may generate enough heat to cause steaming or spattering.
affects: Operator and nearby containers
source: pubchem-lioh
where: Stability and Reactivity, Air and Water Reactions
handling:
- text: Store dry, tightly closed in the original container, separated from food and feedstuffs, strong oxidants and strong acids, and in an area without drain or sewer access (ICSC).
source: icsc0913
where: Storage
- text: Prevent dust formation. Use local exhaust or breathing protection, protective gloves, protective clothing, and face shield or eye protection (ICSC).
source: icsc0913
where: Prevention and exposure control
- text: For spills, sweep the substance into covered plastic containers and do not let it enter the environment (ICSC).
source: icsc0913
where: Spillage disposal
mitigations:
- text: 'Skin contact: remove contaminated clothes, rinse the skin with plenty of water or shower, and refer immediately for medical attention (ICSC first aid).'
source: icsc0913
where: First aid, Skin
- text: 'Eye contact: rinse with plenty of water, remove contact lenses if easily possible, and refer immediately for medical attention (ICSC first aid).'
source: icsc0913
where: First aid, Eyes
uses:
- application: habitats-and-suits
device: Carbon dioxide scrubber canisters in a crewed spacecraft breathing loop (Space Shuttle)
example: The 1989 Naval Academy report abstract calls LiOH the principal chemical absorbent used as a carbon dioxide scrubber material by NASA in the shuttle spacecraft.
source: jaunsen1989
where: Abstract, first sentence
- application: habitats-and-suits
device: Lunar module breathing-gas canisters (Apollo 13)
example: Wikipedia says lithium hydroxide canisters in the lunar module were lifelines for the Apollo 13 astronauts.
source: wikipedia-lioh
where: Carbon dioxide scrubbing section (history)
- application: batteries
device: Lithium iron phosphate cathode precursor
example: The 2026 LFP review lists LiOH·H2O among the common lithium precursors for LFP and says it is highly reactive, reacting with iron and phosphorus sources at low temperatures.
source: yin2026
where: LiOH-derived precursors text in the LFP synthesis discussion
- application: batteries
device: Alkaline storage batteries (PubChem use list)
example: PubChem's use list includes alkaline storage batteries, lithium-based greases and carbon dioxide absorbents.
source: pubchem-lioh
where: Use and Manufacturing, Uses, Sources and Uses
supply:
- subject: Lithium (feedstock for lithium hydroxide)
abundance: Not stated in the USGS lithium chapter read in this run
producers:
- country: Australia
share_percent: 31.7
year: 2025
- country: China
share_percent: 21.4
year: 2025
- country: Chile
share_percent: 19.3
year: 2025
- country: Zimbabwe
share_percent: 9.7
year: 2025
- country: Argentina
share_percent: 7.9
year: 2025
recycling: 'USGS: construction of lithium battery recycling plants continued throughout 2025.'
substitutes: []
source: usgs-mcs2026-lithium
where: 'World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025 (lithium content, metric tons): Australia 92,000; China 62,000; Chile 56,000; Zimbabwe 28,000; Argentina 23,000; world total 290,000 (rounded). Shares calculated by Space Mushroom against the world total.'
media: []
documents:
- title: ICSC 0913, Lithium hydroxide (ILO and WHO international chemical safety card)
type: sds
url: https://inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0913.htm
year: 2021
- title: 'PubChem: Lithium hydroxide (CID 3939), GHS and toxicity summary'
type: database
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/3939
- title: 'NIST Chemistry WebBook: lithium hydroxide thermochemistry'
type: database
url: https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C1310652&Mask=1
- title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Lithium'
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-lithium.pdf
year: 2026
- title: Comprehensive Review of Synthesis, Structure, and Electrochemical Performance of LiFePO4 (open access)
type: paper
url: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13525353/
year: 2026
- title: Jaunsen 1989, The Behavior and Capabilities of Lithium Hydroxide Carbon Dioxide Scrubbers in a Deep Sea Environment
type: report
url: http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/4998
year: 1989
gaps:
- No primary source for the 450 cm3 of carbon dioxide per gram figure was reached in this run. Wikipedia and its mirror give it, Wikipedia is limited here to history and composition, and the Jaunsen 1989 abstract does not print it, so it is not recorded.
- No carbon dioxide breakthrough or absorption-capacity test was read from a primary source; only the Jaunsen 1989 abstract was reached, not the full report.
- PubChem prints a density of 1.45 @25 °C with no unit, so it is not recorded; it disagrees with the ICSC value of 2.54 g/cm3 and no unit-confirmed second value was found.
- Dehydration of the monohydrate on heating is stated only on Wikipedia in this run, so it is not recorded.
- No corrosion rate was found for aluminium, tin or zinc; the ICSC card is qualitative.
- No vacuum, radiation, thermal-cycling or flight-test data for LiOH were found in the sources read. The spacecraft uses above are historical and not quantified here.
- The industrial production route (lithium carbonate with calcium hydroxide, or the sulfate and spodumene routes) is described only on Wikipedia in this run, so it is not recorded. No LiOH-specific production shares were found; the supply shares above are for lithium.
- Decomposition temperature, water solubility, and the standard enthalpy and entropy rows use snake_case benchmark names, because no canonical name in spores/property-canon.yaml fits.
- 'PubChem''s acute rat inhalation value (LC50 printed as 960 mg/m3/4hr) is not recorded: the verifier''s copy of the PubChem record does not contain that block, so the value cannot be checked here.'
- CAS 1310-65-2 is the only identifier recorded. No UNS, EN, trade or other designation was read from a source in this run. UN number 2680 is printed by ICSC and PubChem but is not a designation system used here.
- The USGS 2025 critical-minerals list and the EU critical raw materials list were not opened in this run, so no critical-list status is recorded for lithium.
- Web-search budget for this turn was exhausted, so NASA NTRS reports, supplier safety data sheets and ECHA registration dossiers could not be located.
sources:
icsc0913:
title: 'ICSC 0913: Lithium hydroxide (International Chemical Safety Card, ILO and WHO)'
id: ICSC 0913; CAS 1310-65-2; EC 215-183-4
url: https://inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0913.htm
year: 2021
kind: datasheet
license: ILO and WHO, cited
pubchem-lioh:
title: PubChem compound record, Lithium hydroxide (CID 3939), PUG View JSON
id: CID 3939; CAS 1310-65-2
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/3939/JSON
kind: database
license: public domain (NCBI)
nist-webbook:
title: 'NIST Chemistry WebBook, lithium hydroxide: gas phase thermochemistry data'
id: NIST WebBook, SRD 69; CAS 1310-65-2
url: https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C1310652&Mask=1
kind: database
license: NIST data compilation, cited
nist-webbook-cond:
title: 'NIST Chemistry WebBook, lithium hydroxide: condensed phase thermochemistry data'
id: NIST WebBook, SRD 69; CAS 1310-65-2
url: https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C1310652&Mask=2
kind: database
license: NIST data compilation, cited
usgs-mcs2026-lithium:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Lithium
id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-lithium.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
yin2026:
title: Comprehensive Review of Synthesis, Structure, and Electrochemical Performance of LiFePO4
id: doi:10.1002/advs.77203 (Advanced Science, PMC13525353)
url: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13525353/
year: 2026
kind: paper
license: CC BY 4.0
jaunsen1989:
title: The Behavior and Capabilities of Lithium Hydroxide Carbon Dioxide Scrubbers in a Deep Sea Environment (Naval Academy technical report)
id: DTIC ADA216268; Rubicon Foundation archive item 4998
url: http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/4998
year: 1989
kind: report
license: approved for public release (DTIC)
wikipedia-lioh:
title: 'Wikipedia: Lithium hydroxide (used for history and composition only)'
url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_hydroxide
kind: web
license: CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikipedia)
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-11-01'
review:
status: draft
method: assistant
checked_values: 12
unreachable: 0
caveats: 3
note: Read by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from ICSC 0913, the PubChem record, the NIST WebBook (gas and condensed phase), USGS MCS 2026 lithium and the 2026 LFP review (PMC13525353). The Jaunsen 1989 abstract was read through its archive page. Melting point, boiling point and LC50 caveats are noted in the file.
story:
recipe:
line: LiOH has one lithium, one oxygen and one hydrogen atom per formula unit, as written in the ICSC card (formula LiOH). How it is made is not recorded here.
parts:
- name: Lithium
symbol: Li
role: The alkali metal in the compound. At the surface it becomes lithium carbonate when LiOH reacts with carbon dioxide.
- name: Oxygen
symbol: O
role: Part of the hydroxide group, which reacts with carbon dioxide in an absorber canister.
- name: Hydrogen
symbol: H
role: Part of the hydroxide group, bonded to the oxygen atom.
why: 'Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is a white, hygroscopic solid that takes carbon dioxide out of breathing gas. In spacecraft it served as the CO2 absorbent in Shuttle scrubbers (Jaunsen, 1989) and in lunar-module canisters on Apollo 13 (Wikipedia). It is also a lithium precursor for lithium iron phosphate cathodes (2026 review). Its handling hazards are serious: ICSC gives the signal word DANGER.'
uses:
- where: Spacecraft air scrubbing
line: The 1989 Naval Academy report abstract calls LiOH the principal chemical absorbent used as a carbon dioxide scrubber material by NASA in the shuttle spacecraft. Wikipedia reports that LiOH canisters in the lunar module were lifelines for the Apollo 13 astronauts.
- where: Lithium iron phosphate cathodes
line: A 2026 review of LiFePO4 synthesis lists LiOH·H2O among the common lithium precursors. The review says LiOH is highly reactive and can react with iron and phosphorus sources at low temperatures.
- where: Alkaline storage batteries
line: PubChem's use list includes alkaline storage batteries, lithium-based greases and carbon dioxide absorbents.
can_do:
- label: Melting
benchmark: melting_point
line: ICSC gives a melting range of 450 to 471 °C. PubChem gives 473 °C. The two sources disagree, so both are recorded.
- label: Solubility in water
benchmark: water_solubility
value: 12.8 g/100ml at 20 °C
line: ICSC lists the solubility in water as 12.8 g per 100 ml at 20 °C and describes it as good.
- label: Heat limit
benchmark: decomposition_temperature
line: ICSC says LiOH decomposes on heating above 924 °C and produces toxic fumes.
- label: Density
benchmark: density
value: 2.54 g/cm3
line: ICSC gives a density of 2.54 g/cm3 for the crystalline solid.
compare: LiOH is more reactive than lithium carbonate, the other common lithium source for LFP cathodes. The 2026 review describes lithium carbonate as chemically stable and as the dominant industrial source of lithium, while it describes LiOH as hygroscopic and as reacting with carbon dioxide at the surface. The same review notes that LiOH-derived LFP often shows improved rate capability in some syntheses. The table compares LiOH's density, melting point and solubility with the ranges printed in the record.
compare_rows:
- label: Density of the solid
benchmark: density
- label: Melting point
benchmark: melting_point
- label: Water solubility at 20 °C
benchmark: water_solubility
handling:
- Keep it dry and tightly closed in its original container. ICSC says to store it away from food, strong oxidants and strong acids.
- Avoid dust. Use local exhaust or breathing protection, protective gloves, protective clothing and eye protection.
- Do not let spills reach drains or the environment; sweep them into covered containers.
good_for:
- Carbon dioxide removal in a closed breathing loop, where the Shuttle used it as the principal absorbent (Jaunsen, 1989).
- A lithium source for LFP cathode synthesis, where the 2026 review says it is highly reactive and can react at low temperatures.
watch_out:
- Corrosive and toxic. ICSC gives the signal word DANGER and warns that it is fatal if inhaled. PubChem's GHS summary lists H314.
- It absorbs water and carbon dioxide from air and forms lithium carbonate at the surface.
- It is corrosive to aluminium, tin and zinc and releases hydrogen on contact (ICSC). No corrosion rate was found.
verdict: LiOH is a documented carbon dioxide absorbent for crewed spacecraft and a useful lithium precursor, but it is a corrosive solid that must be kept dry and handled with full protection.
risk_groups:
- title: For people
level: 3
verdict: Corrosive; toxic if swallowed or inhaled
lead: 'ICSC gives the signal word DANGER: LiOH is fatal if inhaled, toxic if swallowed and causes severe skin burns and eye damage.'
points:
- label: Skin and eyes
line: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Rinse with plenty of water and refer for medical attention at once (ICSC).
- label: Inhalation
line: Dust can reach a harmful airborne concentration quickly when dispersed. PubChem's summary records pulmonary edema after high inhalation exposure.
- label: Ingestion
line: Toxic if swallowed. Do not induce vomiting; give water to drink and refer for medical attention (ICSC).
- title: On contact with water or metals
level: 2
verdict: Heat on dilution; hydrogen with some metals
lead: Dilution and contact with some metals can both produce heat or hydrogen.
points:
- label: Dilution
line: Dilution with water may generate enough heat to cause steaming or spattering (PubChem).
- label: Metals
line: Aluminium, tin and zinc are corroded and release flammable hydrogen (ICSC). The ICSC card gives no rate.
- title: Storage
level: 1
verdict: Keep dry and closed
lead: Moisture and carbon dioxide convert the surface to lithium carbonate (2026 review).
points:
- label: Container
line: Store dry and well closed in the original container, away from food, oxidants and acids (ICSC).
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.
| # | Source | Type | Year | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICSC 0913: Lithium hydroxide (International Chemical Safety Card, ILO and WHO) | datasheet | 2021 | 14 values | |
| PubChem compound record, Lithium hydroxide (CID 3939), PUG View JSON | database | 7 values | ||
| NIST Chemistry WebBook, lithium hydroxide: gas phase thermochemistry data | database | 2 values | ||
| NIST Chemistry WebBook, lithium hydroxide: condensed phase thermochemistry data | database | 3 values | ||
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Lithium | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| Comprehensive Review of Synthesis, Structure, and Electrochemical Performance of LiFePO4 | paper | 2026 | 3 values | |
| The Behavior and Capabilities of Lithium Hydroxide Carbon Dioxide Scrubbers in a Deep Sea Environment (Naval Academy technical report) | report | 1989 | 1 value | |
| Wikipedia: Lithium hydroxide (used for history and composition only) | web | 1 value |
Updated