Lithium carbonate is a white, fine - grained powder with the chemical formula Li₂CO₃. It is sparingly soluble in water and has a relatively low density. It is an important lithium compound that can be obtained through various chemical processes, often from lithium - containing ores or brines.

Lithium carbonate has numerous important uses, mainly in the following aspects:

Battery Industry: It is a key raw material for the production of lithium - ion batteries. Lithium - ion batteries, which are widely used in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, as well as in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, rely on lithium carbonate to provide lithium ions for the electrochemical reactions that store and release energy.

Pharmaceutical Industry: In the pharmaceutical field, lithium carbonate is used as a mood - stabilizing drug. It is effective in treating bipolar disorder, helping to regulate mood swings, reduce mania, and prevent depression. It works by influencing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Ceramics and Glass Industry: In the ceramics and glass industry, lithium carbonate is added to improve the properties of ceramics and glass. It can lower the melting point of the mixture, enhance the thermal stability and mechanical strength of the products, and also improve their chemical resistance.

Aluminum Industry: It is used in the aluminum industry to improve the quality of aluminum alloys. Lithium carbonate can refine the grain structure of aluminum alloys, enhance their strength, hardness, and ductility, and also improve their resistance to corrosion and wear.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration: In some air - conditioning and refrigeration systems, lithium carbonate - based absorbents are used in absorption refrigeration cycles. These absorbents help to remove water vapor and other impurities from the refrigerant, improving the efficiency and performance of the systems.