Why does high-nickel NCM cathode production require lithium hydroxide instead of lithium carbonate?

The choice between lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate in cathode production is dictated by melting point and process compatibility. Lithium hydroxide melts near 462°C, while lithium carbonate melts at 723°C. High-nickel ternary materials such as NCM811 and NCA cannot tolerate the high sintering temperatures needed for carbonate decomposition without risking oxygen loss, lithium-nickel mixing, and structural damage. Lithium hydroxide's lower melting point allows it to wet the precursor particles earlier and react at milder temperatures, producing more stable electrochemical performance. This technical constraint means high-nickel cathode capacity expansion is directly tied to lithium hydroxide supply, not carbonate. As automakers push for higher energy density and longer range, hydroxide demand growth will outpace carbonate, creating a structural premium that is only partially explained by downstream battery chemistry shifts.