Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a crucial intermediate in the production of fluorochemicals, which are vital components in lithium batteries. These include electrolytes like LiPF6, binders like PVDF, and additives such as LiFSI, FEC, LiODFB, LiTFSI, and fluorobenzene. Here provides a brief overview of HF's uses, production processes, and market dynamics.
HF exists in anhydrous (AHF) and aqueous forms, with the latter further classified into industrial and electronic grades. AHF is primarily used to manufacture downstream fluorochemicals, including refrigerants (accounting for about half of the demand), specialty fluorochemicals, fluoropolymers, and inorganic fluorides. Electronic-grade HF, refined from industrial-grade HF, is essential for cleaning and etching in the semiconductor, photovoltaic, and display panel industries. It's often mixed with hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, nitric acid, or acetic acid. Approximately half of its use is in the integrated circuit industry, with the remaining 20% each in the photovoltaic and panel industries.
The main production method is the fluorite process, where fluorite (CaF2) reacts with concentrated sulfuric acid. The fluorosilicic acid method, using phosphochemical by-product dilute fluorosilicic acid, offers cost advantages but faces challenges in handling the resulting dilute sulfuric acid and requires more advanced technology. With dwindling domestic fluorite resources, the fluorosilicic acid method is gaining traction.
The demand for HF is influenced by the phase-down of fluorinated refrigerants and the rapid growth of lithium battery chemicals. While refrigerant demand is projected to decline by about 15% by 2030 due to environmental regulations, lithium battery shipments are expected to reach 3000 GWh by 2030, 2.5 times that of 2023, driving substantial demand. Overall, HF demand is expected to remain stable.
The AHF industry in China is characterized by numerous small-scale producers. However, high-purity electronic-grade HF production is dominated by companies like Stella, Formosa Daikin, and Showa Denko due to high technological barriers. Overcoming these barriers is critical for domestic producers to compete in the high-value market.
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