Top 5 Applications of Lithium Carbonate
Lithium carbonate is an inorganic compound with the formula Li 2 CO 3 . The salt exists only in the anhydrous form and its solubility in water is low relative to other lithium salts. The compound is produced by combining lithium peroxide with carbon dioxide. This reaction is also used in certain air purifiers to absorb carbon dioxide: 2 Li 2 O 2 + 2 CO 2 → 2 Li 2 CO 3 + O 2 . Here are a few applications of lithium carbonate: 1. Medicinal Uses Lithium carbonate is used to treat a manic depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). It works to stabilize the mood and reduce extremes in behavior. This is done by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. This medication can decrease how often manic episodes occur and decrease the symptoms of manic episodes. 2. Glass and Ceramics Lithium carbonate is used in the preparation of lithium aluminosilicate glass-ceramics. These ceramics have low thermal coefficients of expansion, which allow their use over