COBALT

Properties

• Atomic Symbol: Co
• Atomic Number: 27
• Atomic Mass: 58.93g/mol
• Element Category: Transition metal
• Density: 8.86g/cm³ at 20°C
• Melting Point: 2723°F (1495°C)
• Boiling Point: 5301°F (2927°C)
• Mohs Hardness: 5

In 1739, Georg Brandt, a luminary Swedish chemist, discovered cobalt. His groundbreaking research proved that the ability of certain minerals to color glass blue was attributed to cobalt, not bismuth, as previously believed. This discovery has been a significant milestone in the field of chemistry. Cobalt is typically found in two primary ores: cobaltite (CoAsS) and erythrite (Co3(AsO4)2). Interestingly, cobalt is usually recovered as a byproduct during the mining and refining of other metals such as nickel, silver, lead, copper, and iron. This underscores the crucial role of cobalt in various industries, including electronics and aerospace, where it is an essential component in magnetic alloys and high-strength alloys.

 

History of Cobalt Uses

Cobalt's primary application until the 20th century was in the production of colorings from oxides and silicates. In fact, as recently as 1916, the entire global cobalt output was a mere 554 tonnes, out of which 400 tonnes were used for producing colorings in the form of oxides.

Cobalt has a rich history as a coloring agent for pottery and glass, dating back at least 2500 years. Evidence of cobalt-containing glazes has been discovered in Ancient Egyptian tombs, and blue colors made from cobalt-containing minerals were used in Chinese pottery during the Tang and Ming dynasties. While the metal itself was only isolated in 1735 by a Swedish scientist named G. Brandt, its metallic uses were studied and patented by Elwood Haynes in the early 1900s. The resulting Co-Cr alloys and super-alloys, which caused a significant increase in cobalt use, are still in use today, as is the Alnico series of magnets that were invented in the 1930s.

Cobalt has become a highly sought-after component in specialized applications where it is challenging to find substitute materials. In certain fields, such as medical diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and bio-mass fermentation processes, cobalt is essential. With the increasing demand for rechargeable batteries, the demand for cobalt has shifted towards chemical applications. The significance of cobalt in industrial and technological development is undeniable. In fact, it was recognized as a critical component and strategically important on a global scale.

 

Cobalt as a Critical Raw Material

Cobalt is widely acknowledged as a critical metal and is often referred to as a technology enabler due to its exceptional properties. Metals have revolutionized the world by providing the necessary resources for creating and developing modern materials, driving technological progress. As a result, raw materials are crucial for global economic growth and are considered essential for maintaining and enhancing the quality of life. However, the increasing dependence of various industries on metals has resulted in a significant rise in the number of materials used across a range of products. Consequently, ensuring sustainable and reliable access to specific raw materials has become a growing concern.

Cobalt is a fundamental raw material that plays a critical role in numerous industries, enabling technological development and contributing to a low-carbon future. Many countries recognize the strategic importance of certain raw materials that they do not produce, and cobalt is among them. This mineral is vital for a variety of important industrial, sustainable, and technological applications. Its strategic and critical nature makes it a highly sought-after resource.

Have you ever wondered what makes a metal critical? The answer lies in the availability of certain elements that can greatly impact energy systems. As demand for these metals increases, supply may not be able to keep up, leading to potential price hikes or even scarcity. This could discourage the adoption of new technologies. Adding to the challenge is the fact that most critical elements are byproducts of other metal production, making it difficult to ramp up production. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for high-tech consumer products in emerging countries, leading to ongoing material research and the discovery of new uses for critical metals. However, these metals are often irreplaceable and rarely recycled.

 

Cobalt Use

Rechargeable Batteries

Cobalt compounds used

Cobalt oxide, cobalt hydroxide, cobalt metal.

Applications

• Portable electronics, such as cell phones, computers, tablets, and power tools.
• E-mobility: electric and hybrid cars, electric trains, and electric bicycles.
• Stationary: renewable energy power plants, home storage, and related grid services.

Electrons move from the negative anode to the positive cathode, generating power during discharge. The battery can be recharged by replenishing the anode with electrons to its reduced state and removing electrons from the cathode to return it to its oxidized state. Cobalt oxide is commonly used in the cathode matrix to support nickel/lithium cations in lithium-ion batteries, which are the most widely used type of battery.

Cobalt is also crucial in other battery technologies such as nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. With the development of new technologies that offer higher currents and longer run times, the production of older technologies decreases.

Around half of the world's cobalt production is utilized in rechargeable batteries, which are also known as secondary batteries, and are a crucial technology for achieving a sustainable future. The capacity to recycle and reuse rechargeable batteries, in conjunction with the boost in recycling rates, plays a significant role in promoting a circular economy that is environmentally friendly.

 

Electronics

Integrated circuits and semiconductors are present in all contemporary electronic systems and devices, leading to limitless applications. Cobalt and its compounds play a critical role in the operation of present-day electronics, particularly in rechargeable batteries, integrated circuits, and semiconductors. Despite not being a significant utilization currently, cobalt served as a primary component in the magnetic recording sector in the past.

 

Healthcare

Compounds

Cobalt metal, cobalamin, cobalt metal isotopes (⁶⁰Co, ⁵⁸Co, ⁵⁷Co and ⁵⁵Co)

Applications

• Determining vitamin B12 deficiency and measuring vitamin B12 absorption.
• Prosthesis (hip, knee, and tooth implants).
• Locating metastases and malignancies.
• Radiotherapy.
• Sanitation of medical supplies.
• Creation of biomolecules through fermentation.

 

Cobalt is an essential element with a crucial role in the human body as it is located at the center of vitamin B12, which plays a vital role in numerous physiological functions. Additionally, cobalt is an important component in radiotherapy treatments, where it is used in the form of the isotope ⁶⁰Co.

The medical industry also utilizes cobalt for detecting tumors and metastases, sterilizing surgical equipment, and imaging damage to the brain. Moreover, cobalt finds its application in prosthetic alloys, particularly in hip, knee, and dental replacements. Its versatility and significance in various fields make cobalt an indispensable element in modern medical and technological advancements.

 

Inks and Pigments

Cobalt compounds used

Cobalt oxides, and other complex cobalt compounds.

 

Applications

Glass, porcelain, ceramics, paints, inks, and enamelware.

 

Cobalt compounds possess a special combination of traits such as color, solubility and stability, making them an effective coloring agent in various applications. For centuries, cobalt-based minerals have been utilized by civilizations like the Egyptians and Persians to add color to their creations. Cobalt is included in the pigments used for coloring materials and is often mixed with other ingredients as oxides before undergoing calcination, which involves treating the mineral at high temperatures and grinding it to a fine powder.

The final color of the pigment depends on the context in which it is used; for instance, in a glaze, the color may be modified by further firing. Glass may also be colored or decolored by the addition of cobalt. It acts as a decolorizer, suppressing the yellowish color that iron pollution would otherwise give glass.

 

Alloys

Cobalt compounds used

Cobalt metal.

Applications

Aerospace, prosthetics, cutting tools, automotive and industrial equipment.

 

The process of alloying, which involves combining at least one metallic element with cobalt, can be used to incorporate cobalt into other materials. This incorporation of cobalt can impart certain desirable physicochemical properties, such as magnetism, strength at high temperatures, and resistance to wear and corrosion.

Furthermore, by adding other metals to cobalt, it is possible to create materials with even more advantageous properties for specific applications. For instance, the addition of chromium to cobalt can produce a material that is both highly wear-resistant and biocompatible, making it an ideal choice for prosthetics.

Cobalt-based alloys have various categories including super alloys, magnetic alloys, prosthetic alloys, and wear-resistant alloys, although they have some similarities. Generally, cobalt alloys with high hardness are chosen for wear applications, whereas the milder and sturdier ones are employed in high-temperature scenarios, such as in gas turbines. Moreover, cobalt metal and its alloys have the potential to be recycled, thus contributing to the establishment of a circular economy.