Cobalt Uses
Cobalt is everywhere: without it, many things we take for granted would simply not be possible.
It is crucial for producing rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles and smartphones. It is used in passenger and military aerospace for high-performance jet engines and gas turbines, in the production of hard alloys for tools and cutting instruments, and in the manufacture of catalysts for petroleum refining and chemical processes.
We have cobalt inside our bodies as part of vitamin B12. Finally, it adds colour to life by being a critical element in the creation of pigments for vibrant blue and green dyes!
Powering Green Economy
Cobalt is an essential part of the lithium-ion batteries that gives electric vehicles – both passenger and commercial – the range and durability needed by consumers.
Cobalt is used in the electronic devices and batteries that power our digital world. More cobalt will be used in the consumer electronics segment, driven by batteries used in AI devices, robotics and drones.
Renewable energy from solar and wind power is essential for any decarbonised economy, but needs to be stored during periods of oversupply for using during periods of undersupply. Cobalt-containing lithium-ion batteries are used for this too.
The use of cobalt in catalytic applications supports the reduction of greenhouse gases. For example, petrol or diesel for cars can only be sold after it has been refined with catalysts containing cobalt compounds which reduce sulphur and nitrous oxide emissions.
Advancing Industry
Cobalt is an important component of some permanent magnets present in generators that convert the energy from turbine blade rotation into electricity. Cobalt is also helpful for the fermentation involved in biogas production.
Cobalt is one of the major materials in the creation of orthopaedic implants. Cobalt isotopes are effective in detecting brain and lung metastases, as well as locating tumours. Cobalt is also a bio-essential element, found in vitamin B12.
Cobalt plays a significant role in agriculture, primarily through its involvement in soil health and plant nutrition. It is also a common food supplement in animal food.
Cobalt is used in car tyres to adhere steel reinforcement to the rubber and improve the wear resistance of tyre rubber.
Cobalt salts have been used for centuries to produce brilliant blue colours in paint, porcelain, glass, pottery and enamels.
Enabling Technology
Cobalt containing magnets can retain their magnetic strength at much higher temperatures than other types and find use in aerospace applications and extreme industrial environments.
The high temperature resistance, hardness and wear characteristics of cobalt are put to good use in superalloys needed for jet engines for both passenger and defence aerospace applications.
Cobalt is used in the hard metal industry allowing manufacturers to produce highly effective cutting and grinding tools.