Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is often referred to as the “king of chemicals,” not only because of its massive industrial production volumes, but also due to its vital role in manufacturing processes across nearly every industrial sector.
This powerful, corrosive acid is foundational to industries ranging from agriculture and metal processing to pharmaceuticals and automotive batteries. In this article, we highlight the most significant industrial uses of sulfuric acid.
1. Fertilizer Manufacturing
Nearly half of the global sulfuric acid output is used in the production of phosphate fertilizers, especially superphosphate and ammonium phosphate. These fertilizers are critical for enhancing crop yields and meeting global food demands.
How it’s used:
Sulfuric acid reacts with phosphate rock to create phosphoric acid, a key ingredient in fertilizer formulations.
2. Metal Processing and Refining
Sulfuric acid is essential in leaching processes to extract valuable metals such as copper, nickel, and zinc from their ores. It helps dissolve unwanted components, separating pure metal for industrial use.
Industries:
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Copper smelting
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Uranium extraction
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Electroplating and surface treatment
3. Battery Manufacturing
Lead-acid batteries, widely used in vehicles and energy storage systems, rely on sulfuric acid as their electrolyte. The acid enables the chemical reaction that stores and releases energy.
Application:
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Automotive batteries
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UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems
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Renewable energy storage
4. Petroleum Refining
Sulfuric acid is used to refine crude oil, particularly in alkylation processes, where it helps produce high-octane fuels. It plays a key role in creating cleaner-burning gasoline.
5. Chemical Manufacturing
Sulfuric acid is a building block for countless chemical processes. It is used directly or indirectly in the production of:
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Nitric acid
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Hydrochloric acid
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Synthetic detergents
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Dyes and pigments
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Pharmaceuticals and explosives
6. Water Treatment
Sulfuric acid is used to adjust the pH of industrial wastewater, neutralize alkaline substances, and facilitate coagulation in water treatment plants.
Conclusion
Sulfuric acid’s versatility makes it a cornerstone of global industry. Its applications span critical sectors such as agriculture, energy, and manufacturing—making it one of the most important chemicals in modern industrial development.
At Iran Acid, we supply high-purity sulfuric acid tailored to industrial specifications, with a focus on reliability, safety, and international compliance.
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