Sulfuric acid
Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a strong, highly corrosive mineral acid, colorless to slightly yellow, with an oily consistency and complete miscibility with water, accompanied by intense heat release. It is one of the most important base chemicals worldwide and is used as an acid reagent, dehydrating agent, catalyst and neutralizing agent. The main consumption is related to fertilizer production, followed by mining and metallurgy, oil & gas, electronics and industrial cleaning, where sulfuric acid is essential in key process steps.
Source
produced mainly via the contact process: oxidation of SO₂ to SO₃ and absorption in concentrated H₂SO₄
SO₂ is obtained from elemental sulfur combustion or roasting of sulfide ores
commercially supplied as:
- concentrated sulfuric acid (typically 96–98%)
- oleum (fuming H₂SO₄ with dissolved SO₃) for specific syntheses
- diluted solutions at defined concentrations according to end‑user requirements
available in several purity grades: technical, battery, chemical and high‑purity electronic grades
Variations
- technical sulfuric acid – optimized for fertilizer, mining and metallurgical applications
- battery‑grade acid with defined density for lead–acid batteries
- high‑purity, low‑metal sulfuric acid – for electronics, fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals
- oleum with different SO₃ contents – for sulfonation, specialty sulfate production and concentration processes
Applications In The Industry
Fertilizer industry
Sulfuric acid is the primary reagent for converting phosphate rock into phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers (superphosphates, MAP, DAP). It transforms poorly soluble phosphates into plant‑available forms and is also used for pH adjustment in NPK formulations. Stable quality and secured supply of sulfuric acid are critical for capacity, continuity and cost efficiency of fertilizer production plants.
Mining industry
In mining operations, sulfuric acid is used for acid leaching to extract metals such as copper, nickel, zinc and uranium from ore and waste rock. It enables metals to pass into solution, allowing subsequent solvent extraction and electro‑winning. It is also applied in regeneration of ion‑exchange resins, ore conditioning and treatment of mining effluents, contributing to higher metal recovery and improved process economics.
Metallurgical industry
In the metallurgical sector, sulfuric acid is the standard medium for pickling steel, stainless and non‑ferrous metals prior to further forming, galvanizing or coating. It efficiently removes oxides, scale and rust, providing an active metallic surface. It is additionally used in the manufacture of metal sulfates, in certain regeneration and refining steps and in the treatment of metallurgical off‑gases and wastewaters.
Oil & gas industry
In the oil & gas industry, sulfuric acid plays a key role in:
- alkylation processes in refineries, where it acts as a catalyst for high‑octane alkylate production
- acidizing of wells, particularly in carbonate formations, to increase permeability and reservoir productivity
- preparation and use of derivatives (e.g. bisulfites) for gas and wastewater treatment
Proper use of sulfuric acid supports higher hydrocarbon recovery and improved fuel quality.
Electronics industry
The electronics industry uses ultra‑pure sulfuric acid for chemical cleaning and etching of silicon wafers, glass substrates and metallic layers. Application of high‑purity H₂SO₄ with strictly controlled metallic and organic impurities ensures extremely clean surfaces, which is essential for high reliability of semiconductor devices, displays and photovoltaic modules.
Cleaning industry
In the cleaning industry, sulfuric acid is used in professional and industrial descalers, cement and mortar removers and for cleaning boilers, heat exchangers and pipelines. Thanks to its strong ability to dissolve carbonate and oxide deposits, it is suitable for heavy‑duty tasks, but is applied only under controlled conditions with appropriate material and equipment protection.
Benefits Of Use
- key raw material for phosphate fertilizer production and a wide range of inorganic and organic intermediates
- high efficiency in leaching, pickling, refining and pH control in heavy industry processes
- broad range of concentrations and purity grades adapted to fertilizer, mining, metallurgical, refining, electronics and service industries
- well‑developed global logistics, standardized specifications and reliable availability for large continuous operations
Get a Quote
Fast ResponseWhy Choose Our Platform?
Unlock direct access to a global network of reliable suppliers. Through our platform you can source ingredients, polymers and specialty products from trusted producers with full transparency. Every product comes with clear documentation, and every supplier is checked for quality, compliance and consistency so you can focus on production, not on risk.