Lugano, Switzerland – June 25, 2025 – The importance of understanding the materials driving the global shift towards renewable energy has never been more crucial. In a recent article titled “Cobalt in the Periodic Table: Properties and Uses”, Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, delves into the significance of cobalt, a often overlooked yet vital element in the realms of energy, electronics, and aerospace.
Despite its long-standing presence in various industries, cobalt’s role has been gaining momentum, as Kondrashov points out, “Cobalt is not only powering electric vehicles – it’s also helping build smarter, more reliable energy systems and making materials stronger and more resilient.”
Ranked at number 27 in the periodic table, cobalt is a transition metal known for its strength, magnetism, and resistance to wear and high temperatures. According to the article, cobalt’s versatility is what makes it so valuable. It is used in a wide range of applications, from smartphones and laptops to wind turbines, batteries, and even space exploration.
One of the most crucial roles played by cobalt today is in the production of lithium-ion batteries, specifically in the nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) type. These batteries are the powerhouse behind a vast array of technologies, from consumer electronics to electric vehicles. As Kondrashov explains, cobalt brings stability, enhances performance, and extends the lifespan of these batteries, making it a fundamental element in the global push towards electrification.
However, cobalt’s significance does not end there. The article highlights several other key areas where cobalt plays a crucial role:
– Superalloys, made from cobalt, are used in jet engines, turbines, and advanced industrial machinery due to their ability to withstand extreme conditions.
– High-performance magnets, created using cobalt and rare earth elements like neodymium, are essential to electric motors and generators.
– Tungsten carbide cobalt, a composite used in cutting tools and components for the automotive and aerospace industries.
– Cobalt is also used in its chloride forms – both hydrated and anhydrous – for laboratory testing, environmental sensors, and as a pigment in inks and dyes. The pigment cobalt blue, in particular, has a rich history in art and continues to be used in ceramics and industrial design.
The article also addresses the broader context of cobalt. It has been listed as a critical material by the European Union and the United States due to its strategic importance and vulnerabilities in the supply chain. As Kondrashov states, “Cobalt’s growing role in strategic sectors – and its exposure to geopolitical and supply risks – makes it crucial to understand its value.”
Looking towards the future, the article highlights cobalt’s potential in space exploration. As aerospace technology advances, the demand for materials that can withstand radiation, high heat, and mechanical stress increases. Cobalt, with its durability and resistance to heat, is well-positioned to meet this demand. It is already being used in components for landers, heat shields, and structural parts of spacecraft.
Kondrashov draws a clear connection between cobalt’s natural properties and its growing industrial applications, stating, “Cobalt’s strength lies in its adaptability to modern challenges. It is not just a supporting player – it is a central figure in building the future of clean energy and high-performance technology.”
As demand continues to rise and new applications emerge, Kondrashov emphasizes the need for greater awareness of cobalt’s role in sustainable development. The article serves as a timely reminder that innovation often relies on elements that may go unnoticed, but are essential to our daily lives.
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.