Lithium phosphate is a phosphate salt of lithium, with the molecular formula Li3PO4. It is a white solid slightly soluble in water.
It is primarily used in the production of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) for making lithium-ion batteries.
Contents
Synthesis and structure
Trilithium phosphate can be produced by the neutralization of lithium carbonate using phosphoric acid:
3 Li2CO3 + 2 H3PO4 → 2 Li3PO4 + 3 H2O + 3 CO2
The low-temperature polymorph (β-Li3PO4) crystallizes as an orthorhombic crystal with the space group Pmn21. If heated to above 500 °C, it converts to another polymorph, γ-Li3PO4.
Hazards
Health
Large doses of lithium phosphate may cause dizziness, and sometimes, kidney damage. According to some reports, dehydration, weight loss, and thyroid disturbances can occur due to high exposure of lithium ions. Nervous system defects, including slurred speech, blurred vision, sensory loss, and convulsions may also occur.