Cobalt Oxide, Cobalt Monoxide, Cobaltous Oxide, 1307-96-6

COBALT OXIDE (COBALT(II) OXIDE)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

        O²⁻
         |
    Co²⁺ — O²⁻ — Co²⁺
         |
        O²⁻

    Cobalt(II) Oxide (CoO)
    Ionic Structure
    (Rock Salt Crystal Structure)

Molecular Formula: CoO
SMILES: O=[Co]
InChI: InChI=1S/Co.O
Crystal System: Cubic (Rock salt / NaCl structure)

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 4: COMPARISON OF COMMON COBALT COMPOUNDS

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Calcination of Cobalt Carbonate (Most Common Industrial Method)

• Reaction: CoCO₃ → CoO + CO₂

• Description: Cobalt carbonate is calcined at elevated temperatures (400-600°C) in an inert or controlled atmosphere; Produces cobalt(II) oxide with carbon dioxide as a by-product; Most common industrial production method; Particle size and color controlled by calcination conditions

Method 2: Calcination of Cobalt Hydroxide

• Reaction: Co(OH)₂ → CoO + H₂O

• Description: Cobalt hydroxide is calcined at elevated temperatures; Produces cobalt(II) oxide with water as a by-product; Used for high-purity applications

Method 3: Calcination of Cobalt Nitrate

• Reaction: 2Co(NO₃)₂ → 2CoO + 4NO₂ + O₂

• Description: Cobalt nitrate is calcined at high temperatures; Produces cobalt(II) oxide with nitrogen dioxide and oxygen as by-products; Used for specialized applications

Method 4: Thermal Decomposition of Cobalt Oxalate

• Reaction: CoC₂O₄ → CoO + CO + CO₂

• Description: Cobalt oxalate is thermally decomposed at high temperatures; Produces cobalt(II) oxide with carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide as by-products; Produces fine powder with controlled particle size

Method 5: Oxidation of Cobalt Metal

• Reaction: 2Co + O₂ → 2CoO

• Description: Cobalt metal is heated in a controlled oxygen atmosphere; Produces cobalt(II) oxide; Used for high-purity applications

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL GRADE)

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:

• Harmful if swallowed (H302). Harmful if inhaled (H332). Avoid ingestion and inhalation.

• Suspected carcinogen (H350i). Cobalt salts are possibly carcinogenic to humans. Avoid inhalation exposure.

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

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

• May damage fertility or the unborn child (H360F/H361). Handle with extreme caution.

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

• Causes serious eye irritation (H319). Use eye protection.

• Very toxic to aquatic life (H400). Prevent environmental release. Do not discharge into water sources.

• Not combustible but decomposes at high temperatures releasing toxic cobalt oxide fumes.

• Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and reducing agents.

• Slightly hygroscopic. Protect from moisture.

• Sensitization Risk: Once sensitized to cobalt, even very low level exposure can trigger severe allergic reactions (asthma, dermatitis). Symptoms may be delayed for several hours.

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

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Ceramics Industry: Use as pigment and flux in ceramic glazes; Modify with ZnO, SiO₂, and Al₂O₃ for specific colors; Control particle size for consistent color development; High-temperature stability makes it ideal for high-fire ceramics.

• Paints and Coatings: Use as strong black/blue pigment; Provides excellent color strength; Weather-resistant and thermally stable; Suitable for industrial and automotive coatings.

• Glass Manufacturing: Use as colorant and flux; Dissolves readily in glass melts; Used in fiberglass production and glass coloration; Provides blue and black colors.

• Battery Production: Use as precursor for lithium-ion battery cathode materials (NCM, LCO); Essential for structural stability; Prevents lithium accumulation; Maintain strict purity specifications for battery grade.

• Catalyst Production: Use as catalyst and catalyst precursor; VOC removal; Oxidation reactions; High catalytic activity and thermal stability.

• Sensor Applications: Use in gas sensors and temperature sensors; Combine with Zn, Mn, Ni oxides; Nano-sized structures for enhanced sensitivity.

• Advanced Materials: Use in high-strength magnetic superalloys; Multi-oxide composites; Advanced ceramic production.

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

• Personal Protective Equipment: Wear impermeable gloves (butyl rubber, neoprene, nitrile), chemical safety goggles, full-face shield, protective clothing, and NIOSH-approved particulate filter respirator.

• 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 heat, direct sunlight, and incompatible substances; Store in area without drain or sewer access.

• Spill Response: Avoid raising dust; Wear full PPE; Moisten first to prevent dusting; Sweep spilled substance into covered containers; Carefully collect remainder; Do not allow to enter drains or waterways; Place in properly labeled closed containers; Use vacuum system with HEPA filter if possible.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Do not discharge into sewers or water sources; Cobalt compounds are regulated as hazardous waste; Ensure waste container disposal complies with environmental regulations.

SPECIAL NOTE ON COLOR PROPERTIES:

Cobalt(II) oxide is highly valued for its strong pigment properties:

• Color Range: Varies from greenish-brown to dark gray to black depending on particle size

• Application Colors: Provides blue and black colors in ceramics, glass, and paints

• Color Stability: Excellent thermal stability; Colors are stable at high firing temperatures

• Modification: Can be modified with ZnO, SiO₂, and Al₂O₃ for specific color variations

MAGNETIC AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES:

• Magnetic: Antiferromagnetic below Neel temperature (~17°C)

• Electrical: P-type semiconductor

• Sensors: Used in gas sensors, temperature sensors, and dielectric materials

• Nano Applications: Nano-sized structures show enhanced properties

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.