Lithium nitrate

This deliquescent colourless salt is an oxidizing agent used in the manufacture of red-colored fireworks and flares.

The hydrated form, lithium nitrate trihydrate, has an extremely high specific heat of fusion, 287±7 J/g,[3] and hence can be used for thermal energy storage at its melt temperature of 303.3 K.[4] Lithium nitrate has been proposed as a medium to store heat collected from the sun for cooking.

A Fresnel lens would be used to melt solid lithium nitrate, which would then function as a "solar battery", allowing heat to be redistributed later by convection.

[6] In order to rid the final product of excess water, the sample is heated.

[7] When exposed to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, lithium nitrate can cause irritation to these areas.

NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g. turpentine Flammability 0: Will not burn. E.g. water Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazard OX: Oxidizer. E.g. potassium perchlorate