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

COBALT METAL (COBALT)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

    Cobalt Metal (Co)
    
    Hexagonal Close-Packed (HCP) Crystal Structure
    
         Co  Co  Co  Co
           \  |  /  |
            Co Co Co Co
           /  |  \  |
         Co  Co  Co  Co
    
    Hexagonal Close-Packed (HCP) Crystal Structure
    Ferromagnetic Properties
    (Can also exist in FCC structure)

Molecular Formula: Co (Elemental)
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal Close-Packed (HCP) and Face-Centered Cubic (FCC)
Electron Configuration: [Ar] 3d⁷ 4s²
Oxidation States: +2, +3 (primary)
Magnetic Properties: Ferromagnetic

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 4: COMPARISON OF COBALT AND RELATED METALS

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Hydrometallurgical Process (Most Common)

• Process: Cobalt ore → Leaching → Solvent extraction → Electrowinning → Pure cobalt

• Reaction: Co²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Co (deposition at cathode)

• Description: Cobalt ore is leached with acid or ammonia; Cobalt is extracted and purified through solvent extraction; Pure cobalt is deposited by electrowinning; Most common industrial production method; Produces high-purity cobalt (99.8%+)

Method 2: Pyrometallurgical Process

• Process: Cobalt ore → Roasting → Smelting → Refining → Pure cobalt

• Description: Cobalt ore is roasted and smelted at high temperatures; Crude cobalt is obtained; Refined through various processes to produce pure cobalt

Method 3: Reduction of Cobalt Oxide

• Reaction: Co₃O₄ + 4C → 3Co + 4CO (at high temperature)

• Description: Cobalt oxide is reduced with carbon at high temperatures; Produces cobalt metal

Method 4: Recycling

• Process: Lithium-ion batteries → Recycling → Cobalt recovery

• Description: Cobalt is recovered from spent lithium-ion batteries and other industrial wastes; Sustainable production method

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (ELECTROLYTIC COBALT)

SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 10: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (Compliant with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS08 (Health Hazard), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS09 (Environment)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 11: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 12: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 13: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 14: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 15: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 16: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 17: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 18: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 19: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 20: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Suspected of causing cancer (H351). IARC Group 2B; NTP Reasonably anticipated. Minimize exposure.

• Suspected of causing genetic defects (H341). Avoid exposure.

• May damage fertility (H360F). Handle with extreme caution.

• May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled (H334). Respiratory sensitizer. Use appropriate respiratory protection.

• May cause an allergic skin reaction (H317). Skin sensitizer. Avoid skin contact.

• Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H411). Prevent environmental release.

• Non-combustible but decomposes at high temperatures releasing toxic cobalt oxide fumes.

• Cobalt allergy is common; Prolonged contact may cause sensitization.

• Hard metal lung disease: Prolonged inhalation of cobalt dust may cause lung disease.

• Hygiene Requirement: Contaminated clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Battery Production: Use in lithium-ion battery cathode production; Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) for high energy density; Essential for electric vehicles and portable electronics; Maintain strict purity specifications.

• Superalloy Production: Use in jet engines and gas turbines; Provides high-temperature strength and creep resistance; Aerospace and power generation applications.

• Magnet Production: Use in samarium-cobalt (SmCo) magnets; High-performance magnets for motors and generators; High magnetic strength at elevated temperatures.

• Chemical Applications: Use as catalyst in petrochemical industry; Hydrogenation and desulfurization; Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

• Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods; Avoid dust generation; Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective goggles, face shield, and appropriate respiratory protection.

• Personal Protective Equipment: Wear impermeable gloves (nitrile, neoprene), chemical safety goggles, full-face shield, protective clothing, and NIOSH-approved respirator with N95/P100 filters or better.

• Hygiene: Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using; Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not take contaminated working clothes home; Shower at the end of the work shift.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers in dry conditions; Keep away from acids and oxidizing agents; Store in dry, well-ventilated area; Store locked up.

• Spill Response: Avoid raising dust; Wear full PPE; Sweep spilled substance into covered containers; Do not allow to enter drains or waterways; Place in properly labeled closed containers.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Do not discharge into sewers or water sources; Cobalt is regulated as hazardous waste.

SPECIAL NOTE ON COBALT IN LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES:

Cobalt is a critical component of lithium-ion batteries:

• Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO₂): High energy density; Long cycle life; Used in portable electronics

• NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese): Balance of performance and cost; Used in electric vehicles

• NCA (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum): High energy density; Used in electric vehicles (Tesla)

• Supply Chain: Critical material; Ethical sourcing concerns; Recycling is essential

SPECIAL NOTE ON COBALT ALLERGY AND SENSITIZATION:

Cobalt is a common sensitizer:

• Prevalence: ~5-10% of the population may be sensitized

• Symptoms: Contact dermatitis; Skin rash; Itching; Blistering

• Sources: Jewelry; Metal objects; Occupational exposure

• Prevention: Avoid skin contact; Use PPE; Regular health monitoring

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, this document does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.