Cobalt, Cobalt Metal, Blue Metal, 7440-48-4

Cobalt, Cobalt Metal, Blue Metal, 7440-48-4

Cobalt is a transition metal represented by the symbol "Co" on the periodic table, with an atomic number of 27. It is known for its magnetic properties, high-temperature resistance, and critical role in various industrial applications. Below are the technical, physical, and chemical properties, applications, and other details about cobalt:

Technical Properties:

• Symbol: Co

• Atomic Number: 27

• Atomic Weight: 58.933

• CAS Number: 7440-48-4

• Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (HCP) and cubic (FCC) structures.

• Magnetic Properties: Ferromagnetic (exhibits strong magnetic properties).

Physical Properties:

• Color: Silvery-gray, lustrous metal.

• Density: 8.9 g/cm³ (a high-density metal).

• Melting Point: 1495°C.

• Boiling Point: 2927°C.

• Hardness: Approximately 5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Chemical Properties:

• Reactivity: Stable in air and water at room temperature but oxidizes at high temperatures.

• Reaction with Acids and Bases: Slowly dissolves in dilute acids and rapidly dissolves in nitric acid.

• Compounds: Forms compounds in various oxidation states, such as Cobalt(II) and Cobalt(III).

• Corrosion Resistance: Highly resistant to corrosion.

Applications:

1. Battery Industry:

   • Used as a cathode material in lithium-ion batteries (e.g., Lithium Cobalt Oxide - LiCoO₂).

   • Critical for electric vehicles and portable electronic devices.

2. Superalloys:

   • Used in jet engines and gas turbines for high-temperature resistance.

3. Magnetic Materials:

   • Used in the production of high-performance magnets (e.g., samarium-cobalt magnets).

4. Paints and Pigments:

   • Cobalt blue and cobalt green pigments are used in ceramics, glass, and paint industries.

5. Catalysts:

   • Used as a catalyst in hydrogenation and desulfurization processes in the petrochemical industry.

6. Medical Applications:

   • Cobalt-60 isotope is used in radiotherapy.

   • Cobalt-chromium alloys are used in orthopedic implants.

Other Names:

• Cobalt (English)

• Cobalt Metal

• Co (Chemical Symbol)

Common Names in Everyday Language:

• Cobalt is generally a technical material and does not have a specific name in everyday language. However, it may be referred to as "blue metal" due to its use in cobalt blue pigments.

Why Should It Be Preferred?

1. High-Temperature Resistance:

   • Provides durability in high-temperature applications, such as superalloys.

2. Magnetic Properties:

   • Essential for producing strong magnetic materials.

3. Energy Storage:

   • Enables high energy density in lithium-ion batteries.

4. Corrosion Resistance:

   • Resistant to corrosion in harsh environments.

5. Versatility:

   • Widely used in industrial, medical, and artistic applications.

Environmental and Health Impacts:

• Environment: Cobalt mining can lead to environmental degradation and water pollution.

• Health: Excessive exposure can be toxic. Inhalation or ingestion may pose health risks.

Conclusion:

Cobalt is an indispensable part of modern technology, playing a critical role in energy storage, high-performance alloys, and magnetic materials. However, due to environmental and ethical concerns, sustainable production and recycling solutions are becoming increasingly important.