Cobalt

Cobalt
See also: Cobalt Alloys

Cobalt (Co) is a hard, lustrous, silver-gray metal found naturally in the Earth's crust and used widely across advanced technology industries. It is ferromagnetic, stable in air, and maintains strength at elevated temperatures. Cobalt, available in various forms, including foil, plays a vital role in batteries, superalloys, and catalysts.

Goodfellow offers high-purity cobalt (Co) for a variety of research and industrial applications. Cobalt is known for its ferromagnetic properties, high melting point, and ability to retain its strength at elevated temperatures. In the aerospace sector, cobalt is a crucial component in superalloys used in jet engine turbines, where its heat resistance and strength are essential. The electronics industry utilizes cobalt in the production of rechargeable batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, leveraging its ability to improve energy density and cycle life. In the medical field, cobalt alloys are used in orthopedic implants due to their biocompatibility and wear resistance. Emerging technologies benefiting from cobalt include magnetic recording media and advanced catalysts for chemical processes. In the realm of renewable energy, cobalt plays a vital role in the development of more efficient and durable solar panels and wind turbines. Goodfellow's provision of high-quality cobalt supports ongoing research in materials science, particularly in the areas of magnetic materials and energy storage solutions. Despite concerns about its supply chain, cobalt's unique properties ensure its continued importance in both cutting-edge research and critical industrial applications, especially in sectors requiring high-performance materials.



General Properties

PropertyValue
Atomic Number27
Density8.90 g/cm³
Melting Point1495 °C
Boiling Point2870 °C
Thermal Conductivity100 W/m·K
Electrical Resistivity62.4 nΩ·m
Crystal StructureHexagonal close-packed (hcp)

Mechanical Properties

PropertyValue
HardnessMohs ~5
Elastic Modulus209 GPa
Poisson’s Ratio0.31

Chemical Properties

PropertyValue
Corrosion ResistanceModerate, forms passivating oxide layer
ReactivityResists oxidation in air; reacts with acids
Oxidation States+2, +3
Surface OxideCobalt(II,III) oxide (Co3O4)
IdentifierValue
SymbolCo
Atomic Number27
CAS Number7440-48-4
UN NumberUN3089 (powder)
EINECS Number231-158-0
IsotopeTypeNotes
Co-59Stable100% natural abundance
Co-60RadioactiveUsed in cancer radiotherapy and sterilization

Scientific Applications

Use CaseDescription
Magnetic MaterialsKey component in high-performance magnets and memory devices
Battery ResearchInvestigated for advanced lithium and sodium battery systems
CatalysisUsed in Fischer-Tropsch and hydrogenation reactions
Radiation SourceCo-60 emits gamma rays used in nuclear research
Surface CoatingsFor wear resistance and corrosion protection

Industrial Applications

Use CaseDescription
Rechargeable BatteriesEssential in lithium-ion battery cathodes
Aerospace AlloysProvides strength and corrosion resistance at high temperatures
CatalystsUsed in petroleum refining and chemical synthesis
Medical ImplantsUsed in orthopedic and dental implants
Tool SteelsImproves hardness and wear resistance
PurityMain Use
Co 99.6%Used in general research and metal alloys
Co 99.8%Suitable for battery materials and electronic devices
Co 99.9%Ideal for magnetic materials and analytical standards
Co 99.99%Used in advanced research, semiconductor, and medical-grade applications
Synonym
Co
Elemental Cobalt
Cobalt Metal
Cobalto