Lithium hexafluorophosphate
Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) is an inorganic lithium salt consisting of lithium cations and hexafluorophosphate anions, with the chemical formula LiPF₆ and a molecular weight of 151.91 g/mol. It appears as a white to off-white, hygroscopic crystalline powder that is highly sensitive to moisture and heat, readily decomposing in the presence of water to form hydrogen fluoride (HF) and phosphorus oxyfluoride (POF₃). With a density of approximately 1.5 g/cm³ and thermal decomposition occurring around 200 °C, LiPF₆ exhibits good solubility in polar organic solvents such as ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate, but only slight solubility in water due to its reactivity.[1][2][3] LiPF₆ is the predominant electrolyte salt in commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), where it dissociates into Li⁺ and PF₆⁻ ions to provide high ionic conductivity—typically enabling conductivities of 5–15 mS/cm in carbonate-based solvents—and electrochemical stability over a wide voltage window of 0–5 V versus Li/Li⁺. This stability arises from the weakly coordinating nature of the PF₆⁻ anion, which minimizes unwanted side reactions at the electrode-electrolyte interface, thereby enhancing battery cycle life and safety. Its CAS number is 21324-40-3, and it is produced industrially via the reaction of lithium fluoride (LiF) with phosphorus pentafluoride (PF₅) in anhydrous conditions.[4][5][1] Despite its advantages, LiPF₆ poses handling challenges due to its corrosiveness and toxicity; it is classified as acutely toxic if swallowed or in contact with skin (H301, H311) and causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314), necessitating inert atmosphere storage and protective equipment during use. Ongoing research explores alternative salts to address LiPF₆'s thermal instability above 60 °C in electrolytes, which can lead to HF generation and capacity fade in LIBs. Nonetheless, its cost-effectiveness and performance have solidified its role in powering consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and grid storage systems worldwide.[1][2][3]Properties
Physical properties
Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) appears as a white, crystalline, hygroscopic powder that readily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere.[1] The compound has a molecular weight of 151.91 g/mol.[1] Key physical properties are summarized in the following table:| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density (at 20°C) | 1.5 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 200°C (with decomposition) |