The lithium chemical favoured for iron-phosphate cathodes, and the easier product to make from brine.
A white powdery compound that is the most common form of lithium used in battery production. Produced from either hard rock (spodumene) or brine sources, lithium carbonate is a key material for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage.
Carbonate and hydroxide are not interchangeable. LFP chemistry uses carbonate, and LFP has taken large share in standard-range vehicles and grid storage, which has shifted demand between the two products.