Key Points:
- Cobalt is a chemical element with the symbol Co and atomic number 27.
- It is a hard, lustrous, silver-gray metal that is highly magnetic.
- Cobalt is commonly used in alloys, magnets, and pigments.
- Used in the production of jet engine parts and in the lithium-ion batteries that are used in electric cars and other devices.
- Cobalt can be used as a catalyst and in the production of ceramics and glass.
- Cobalt is mined in several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Australia.
Cobalt is a chemical element used for centuries, known for its deep blue pigment called “cobalt blue.”
Today, it’s used in industrial applications such as aerospace and defense, alloys, magnets, and pigments.
In the aerospace industry, cobalt-based alloys like cobalt-chromium and cobalt-nickel are utilized for their strength, toughness, and resistance to wear and corrosion.
Cobalt is also used in the production of magnets in electric motors and generators.
In recent years, the demand for cobalt has increased due to its usage in lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and other devices.
However, it’s worth noting that most cobalt is mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where child labor and human rights abuse have been reported and mining can cause environmental damage.
Cobalt Blue
Cobalt has been known for centuries and was originally used in ancient times to produce a deep blue pigment called “cobalt blue.” Today, it is used in a wide range of industrial applications.
Cobalt Based Alloys
One of the most significant uses of cobalt is in the production of alloys, particularly in the aerospace and defense industries. Cobalt-based alloys, such as those containing cobalt-chromium and cobalt-nickel, are known for their high strength, toughness, and resistance to wear and corrosion. They are used in the production of jet engine parts, gas turbine blades, and other high-performance components.
Cobalt Samarium Magnets
Cobalt is also used in the production of magnets, particularly those used in electric motors, generators, and other devices that require powerful magnets. These magnets are made from alloys of cobalt, nickel, and other metals, and are known for their high magnetic strength and resistance to demagnetization.
Cobalt Blue Pigment
Cobalt is also used in the production of pigments. The pigment most commonly associated with cobalt is cobalt blue, which is used in the production of ceramics, glass, and paint.
Cobalt Cathodes in Lithium-ion Battery Chemistries
In recent years, cobalt has become an important component in lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are used in electric cars, smartphones, laptops, and other devices that require a high-energy density and long-lasting power. Cobalt is used in the cathode of these batteries, which is the component that stores and releases the electrical energy.
Cobalt a “blood-mineral”
It’s worth noting that most of the cobalt is mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been under scrutiny for using child labor and other human rights abuses in the mining process. It is also important to note that cobalt mining can lead to environmental damage, including deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion.
Due to high cost and relative scarcity as most deposits elsewhere come as a by-product of Nickel production there has not been much interest in developing Cobalt mines in more stable jurisdictions. That is however changing as Cobalt-free battery chemistries have yet to become mainstream.