Cobalt Oxide

What is Cobalt Oxide?

Molecular Formula (Cobalt Oxide): CoO

Molecular Weight: 74.933 g/mol

Chemical Name: Cobalt (II) Oxide

CAS Number: 1307-96-6

It is a very strong pigment. It has many applications in industry. One of its most important properties is the production of glazes with an even texture that are denser than carbonate.

When forming glaze compounds, increasing the usage rates of zinc oxide and magnesium oxide will increase the pigment or coloring properties of cobalt oxide.

Other Names Are as Follows;

• Co (II) Oxide
• Co (VI) Oxide
• Cobalt Monoxide
• Cobalt Black
• Black pigment
• Blue pigment
• Cobaltox Oxide

How is Cobalt Oxide Produced?

The production of this cobalt compound is achieved by the calcination of cobalt carbonate and the neutral and reducing forms of this compound under atmospheric conditions. The production reaction is as follows.

CoCO₃ 》CoO + CO₂

Carbon dioxide release occurs during the production stage.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

Physically, it is in powder form with a green-brown appearance. Commercially available cobalt oxide is dark gray in color. Among the factors affecting physical appearance, the most important property is particle size. Therefore, it can vary between green and black.

In terms of solubility, it does not dissolve in water. However, it has high solubility within glazes.

Its density is 6.45 g/cm³.

Its melting point is high. It is approximately 1785 °C.

Boiling Point: No information available.

It is a stable chemical, but it may absorb moisture if humidity is present in the environment.

What are the Usage Areas of Cobalt Oxide?

• It is used as a pigmenting agent in ceramic production. In this field, it is used by being modified with zinc oxide, silica, and alumina.
• It is used as a pigmenting agent in paint production.
• It is used in glass fiber production.
• It acts as a drying agent for varnishes and oils.
• It is an important component for coloring glass.
• It is used as a catalyst for the production of different cobalt compounds.
• It is an excellent compound for the production of lithium-ion batteries due to its electro-optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. It is an important component for electrochemical power sources.
• It is used in the production of chemical sensors and dielectric materials.
• It is used in the manufacture of secondary lithium-ion batteries. It is used in the manufacture of secondary lithium-ion batteries.
• It is fixed onto substrates to prevent the formation of lithium accumulation during charging and discharging.
• In the ceramic industry, it ensures that ceramic glazes and pastes are long-lasting and durable.
• It is used in the manufacture of optical materials such as gas sensors and temperature-sensing sensors.
• In the production of lithium metal oxide powders, Lithium Phosphate is produced by reacting Lithium Carbonate with Phosphoric Acid. Then, Lithium Metal Oxide compound is obtained by sintering the powder containing lithium and the powder containing cobalt at 350 °C.
• It exhibits catalyst properties with optimum efficiency in the total oxidation over carbon monoxide and methane gases and VOCs.
• Certain devices and methods have been developed for the determination of multi-component gas mixtures. Multi-oxide gas analytical chips are used for this. Nano-chemical structures of zinc, manganese, cobalt, and nickel oxides are electrochemically deposited onto these chips.
• It is used in the manufacture of high-strength superalloys with magnetic properties.
• It helps store more energy in the production of lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, it benefits batteries by providing a longer lifespan.

What are the Factors Affecting Prices?

The price of cobalt oxide is directly dependent on the prices of the substances used in its production. The number of cobalt-producing mines worldwide is not very high. For this reason, cobalt ores are limited. Consequently, prices have been increasing for a long time. As the number of cobalt mines increases, prices will experience short-term decreases.

Companies that sell cobalt oxide are generally distributors. Since it is an expensive substance, many companies do not keep it in stock.

Cobalt prices have increased due to the introduction of cobalt ores into high technology and the increase in the amount of demand.