Glossary and conversion
LCE, SC6.0, D50, residual alkali, magnetic impurities — the terms most often mixed up, explained on one page. Includes an LCE calculator covering nine lithium products.
Lithium carbonate equivalent
Enter an amount and choose a product to convert to LCE and other lithium products in real time. Conversion is stoichiometric and excludes process yield.
Example: 1 t spodumene concentrate (6% Li₂O) ≈ 0.148 t LCE; 1 t lithium hydroxide monohydrate ≈ 0.880 t LCE.
Lithium product factors
Factor = lithium mass fraction × 5.323 (molar mass ratio of Li₂CO₃ to Li).
| Product | Formula | 1 t product → LCE | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium carbonate | Li₂CO₃ | 1.000 t | LCE basis, Li content 18.78% |
| Lithium (metal) | Li | 5.323 t | Li content 100% |
| Lithium oxide | Li₂O | 2.473 t | Li content 46.45% |
| Lithium hydroxide monohydrate | LiOH·H₂O | 0.880 t | Li content 16.54% |
| Anhydrous lithium hydroxide | LiOH | 1.542 t | Li content 28.98% |
| Lithium chloride | LiCl | 0.871 t | Li content 16.37% |
| Lithium fluoride | LiF | 1.424 t | Li content 26.75% |
| Lithium sulfate | Li₂SO₄ | 0.672 t | Li content 12.62% |
| Spodumene concentrate (6%) | SC6.0 | 0.148 t | Based on 6% Li₂O |
Theoretical values; trade practice also accounts for grade, moisture, packaging and process yield.
Lithium industry terms
Acronyms and Chinese terms rendered in English, with the working definition used on this site.
A common basis that converts any lithium product into metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent according to its lithium content.
Spodumene concentrate grading about 6.0% Li₂O, the benchmark grade for hard-rock lithium.
The particle diameter below which 50% of the cumulative distribution lies, indicating powder coarseness.
The density of an electrode coating under a specified pressure, which directly affects the volumetric energy density of the cell.
Unreacted lithium compounds on the cathode surface; excessive levels cause slurry gelation and gas generation.
Magnetic particles such as Fe, Ni and Cr measured in ppm, a critical safety control item for cells.
The solid interface film formed on the anode surface, which governs cycling and rate performance.
A new-generation electrolyte salt with high conductivity, a wide temperature range and hydrolysis resistance.
Nickel-cobalt-manganese layered cathode material; the digits denote the Ni:Co:Mn ratio.
Olivine-structured lithium iron phosphate, distinguished by safety and cycle life.
Lithium manganese iron phosphate, in which manganese doping raises the voltage plateau.
Lithium nickel cobalt aluminium oxide, a high-nickel system commonly used in cylindrical cells.
Lithium cobalt oxide with high compaction and high voltage, the mainstream cathode for consumer electronics.
Spinel lithium manganese oxide with low cost and good rate capability.
A value-metal-rich powder produced by shredding and sorting end-of-life batteries.
End-of-life batteries that are tested and reassembled for less demanding applications.
A batch analysis certificate stating the measured values and the basis for the release decision.
The international trade classification code that determines duties and regulatory conditions.