Utilization of Lithium Slag in Cementitious Materials

Lithium slag, a by-product of lithium extraction, has emerged as a versatile supplementary cementitious material in both Portland cement systems and alkali-activated binders. Its high content of reactive silica and alumina renders it an effective pozzolan when finely ground, capable of consuming calcium hydroxide to form additional calcium-silicate-hydrate (C–S–H) gel. In geopolymer formulations, lithium slag can supply aluminosilicate precursors, promoting the geopolymerisation process and yielding durable aluminosilicate networks. Across the globe, research has focused on optimising lithium slag content to balance early-age strength, workability and long-term durability. Practical applications range from green concrete with reduced clinker content to high-performance geopolymer composites, underlining lithium slag’s role in a circular economy and decarbonised construction.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have explored the high-temperature performance of concretes incorporating lithium slag. One investigation assessed specimens with 0–30 % lithium slag substitution after exposure to temperatures up to 700 °C. Results indicated a modest strength gain at 100 °C followed by irreversible damage beyond 300 °C. Optimum performance occurred at a 20 % replacement level, with cubic compressive, axial compressive and flexural strengths improved by up to 13 % post-heating. This work emphasises lithium slag’s potential to enhance thermal stability and mechanical resilience in green concrete applications.

Utilization of Lithium Slag in Cementitious Materials publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in utilization of lithium slag in cementitious materials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Supplementary cementitious material (SCM): An industrial by-product added to cement to improve performance, reduce clinker content and lower CO₂ emissions.

Pozzolan: A siliceous or siliceous-aluminous material that reacts with calcium hydroxide to form cementitious hydrates.

Geopolymerisation: Alkali-activation of aluminosilicate precursors to form an amorphous or semi-crystalline binder network.

Interfacial transition zone (ITZ): A thin region around aggregate particles where the microstructure and porosity differ from the bulk cement paste.

Sorptivity: The rate at which a porous material absorbs water by capillarity, indicative of its transport and durability characteristics.

References

1. A Review on Cementitious and Geopolymer Composites with Lithium Slag Incorporation. Materials (2023).
2. Evaluating lithium slag for geopolymer concrete: A review of its properties and sustainable construction applications. Case Studies in Construction Materials (2024).
3. Effect of high temperature on mechanical properties of lithium slag concrete. Scientific Reports (2024).
4. A comprehensive micro-nano investigative approach to study the development of aluminosilicate gel in binary blends of lithium slag geopolymer. Cement and Concrete Composites (2024).
5. Fresh, mechanical, and microstructural properties of lithium slag concretes. Cement and Concrete Composites (2024).
6. Transport properties of concrete containing lithium slag. Construction and Building Materials (2024).