Lithium tetraborate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Li2B4O7. It is a white or colorless crystal with a high melting point, usually around 742°C. Lithium borate is a weakly alkaline substance with strong thermal stability, and is stable in the air and not easy to absorb moisture.

1. Glass and ceramic manufacturing: Lithium tetraborate is an important raw material for the manufacture of specialty glass and ceramics. It increases the melting point, chemical and thermal stability of glass, while reducing the coefficient of thermal expansion. As a result, it is used in the manufacture of high-temperature resistant glassware, ovens, and lighting fixtures, among other things.

2. Analytical Chemistry: In analytical chemistry, lithium tetraborate can be used as a flux for the rapid analysis of metal ions in samples such as soil, minerals, and biological samples.

3. Refining metals: Lithium tetraborate can be used as a flux in the metal refining process to help remove impurities and improve the purity of the metal.

4. Nuclear energy applications: Lithium tetraborate is used as a thermal neutron detector in nuclear reactors due to its high absorption capacity for thermal neutrons.

5. Electrolyte: Lithium tetraborate can be used as an electrolyte, especially in high-temperature batteries and electrochemical sensors.

6. Sustained-release drug systems: Lithium tetraborate can also be used in the preparation of sustained-release systems for drugs because of its biocompatibility and ability to regulate the rate of drug release.

7. Lighting: Lithium tetraborate is used in the manufacture of phosphors for fluorescent lamps and mercury vapor lamps because of its ability to produce good spectral output.

8. Ceramic pigments: Lithium tetraborate can also be used as a component of ceramic pigments to produce specific colors and effects.