Lithium Tri-oxorhodateCAS #: N/A

Synonyms 

Lithium rhodate, lithium rhodium oxide

Compound Formula: Li2RhO3 

Molecular Weight: 164.7857 

Appearance: Solid 

Melting Point: N/A 

Boiling Point: N/A 

Density: N/A 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Crystal Phase / Structure: honeycomb

Product Introduction: Lithium Tri-oxorhodate

Lithium tri-oxorhodate, with a chemical formula of Li₃RhO₃, is a rare inorganic compound that combines lithium (Li), rhodium (Rh), and oxygen (O) in a precise stoichiometric ratio. This material is characterized by its unique crystalline structure and specialized properties, making it valuable in niche applications within catalysis, materials science, and advanced electronics. Though less commonly known than other lithium-based compounds, its distinct chemical behavior and thermal stability position it as a material of interest for innovative technological developments.

Chemical & Physical Properties

Lithium tri-oxorhodate exhibits several key properties that define its utility:

Crystal Structure: Adopts a perovskite-related or orthorhombic structure, with rhodium atoms forming octahedral coordination with oxygen (RhO₆), and lithium ions occupying interstitial sites to maintain charge neutrality. This structure supports moderate ionic conductivity, particularly at elevated temperatures.

Thermal Stability: Demonstrates high thermal resistance, with a decomposition temperature exceeding 800°C, allowing it to withstand harsh conditions in high-temperature processes.

Chemical Inertness: Relatively stable under ambient conditions, showing limited reactivity with water and non-oxidizing acids, though it may decompose in strong reducing environments.

Electrical Properties: Exhibits semiconducting behavior, with a band gap suitable for certain optoelectronic applications, though its conductivity is generally lower than that of metallic or highly doped materials.

Key Applications

Lithium tri-oxorhodate finds use in specialized fields, leveraging its unique combination of properties:

Catalysis: Serves as a catalyst or catalyst support in organic synthesis and industrial chemical processes, particularly in hydrogenation and oxidation reactions. The rhodium center in its structure acts as an active site, promoting selective bond activation and enhancing reaction efficiency.

Advanced Ceramics: Incorporated into high-temperature ceramics to improve thermal shock resistance and mechanical strength, used in refractory components for furnaces and aerospace applications.

Electrode Materials Research: Investigated as a potential component in advanced battery systems, where its lithium content and thermal stability make it a candidate for specialized cathode designs, though research in this area is still emerging.

Optical Coatings: Explored for use in thin-film optical coatings, where its refractive index and chemical stability contribute to durable, high-performance coatings for lenses and optical devices.

Synthesis & Quality Control

Lithium tri-oxorhodate is typically synthesized through solid-state reactions due to the high stability of its constituent elements:

Precursor Preparation: High-purity lithium oxide (Li₂O) or lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) is mixed with rhodium(III) oxide (Rh₂O₃) in stoichiometric proportions (3:1 molar ratio of Li to Rh).

Calcination: The mixture is heated to temperatures between 800–1000°C in an inert or oxidizing atmosphere (e.g., air) for several hours, promoting diffusion and reaction to form Li₃RhO₃.

Purification: Post-synthesis grinding and annealing steps ensure uniform particle size and phase purity, minimizing impurities that could affect performance.

Quality control involves X-ray diffraction (XRD) to confirm phase formation, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for elemental analysis, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) to verify thermal stability.

Safety & Handling

Given the presence of rhodium—a heavy metal—proper handling of lithium tri-oxorhodate is essential:

Toxicity: Rhodium compounds may be toxic if ingested or inhaled; avoid contact with skin and eyes, and use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, respirators) when handling powder.

Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place, away from reducing agents and strong acids, which may induce decomposition.

Disposal: Dispose of waste material in accordance with local regulations for heavy metal compounds, ensuring compliance with environmental guidelines.

Refer to the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed safety protocols.

Packaging & Availability

Lithium tri-oxorhodate is available in small quantities (1g–100g) for research and development purposes, packaged in airtight, chemically resistant containers to prevent contamination and moisture absorption. Due to its specialized nature, bulk production is available by request, with lead times tailored to specific customer needs.

For technical specifications, custom synthesis inquiries, or pricing, contact our research materials team, which specializes in rare and advanced inorganic compounds.

Health & Safety Information

 Signal Word: N/A 

Hazard Statements: N/A 

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Risk Codes: N/A 

Safety Statements: N/A 

Transport Information: N/A

Chemical Identifiers

 Linear Formula: Li2RhO3

Packing of Standard Packing: 

Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 735 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.