Cobalt salts are inorganic compounds of cobalt combined with various anions such as chlorides, sulfates, nitrates, acetates, carbonates, and oxides. Unlike metallic cobalt, cobalt salts are functional chemical materials valued for their reactivity, solubility, catalytic behavior, electrochemical performance, and color-forming properties.
Common Cobalt Salts
Cobalt Chloride (CoCl₂·6H₂O)
Cobalt Sulfate (CoSO₄·7H₂O)
Cobalt Nitrate (Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O)
Cobalt Acetate (Co(CH₃COO)₂·4H₂O)
Cobalt Carbonate (CoCO₃)
Cobalt Oxide (CoO, Co₃O₄)
Chemical Composition (General)
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Cobalt (Co) | 20 – 55 wt% (salt dependent) |
| Anion | Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, CH₃COO⁻, CO₃²⁻, O²⁻ |
| Water of Crystallization | 0 – 7 molecules |
Purity Levels
| Grade | Typical Purity |
|---|---|
| Industrial Grade | 98 – 99% |
| Battery / Catalyst Grade | 99.5 – 99.99% |
| Pharmaceutical Grade | ≥ 99.9% |
Key Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Pink, red, blue, green crystals or powders |
| Density | 2.0 – 4.0 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Behavior | Decomposes at 300 – 900 °C |
| Solubility | High (chloride, sulfate, nitrate) |
| Hygroscopicity | Moderate to high |
Functional Characteristics
✔ High chemical reactivity
✔ Strong catalytic activity
✔ Intense color formation
✔ Electrochemically active
✔ Decomposable to cobalt oxide or metal
✔ Sensitive to moisture (select salts)
Refining & Processing
Hydrometallurgical extraction
Solvent extraction and crystallization
Electrorefining by-product recovery
Chemical precipitation with pH control
Controlled drying and calcination
Available Forms
Crystalline powders
Granules
Aqueous solutions
Battery-grade fine powders
Pharmaceutical-grade crystals
Applications
Battery & Energy Storage
Lithium-ion battery cathodes
Supercapacitors
Catalysts
Petrochemical processing
Hydrogenation and oxidation reactions
Electroplating
Cobalt and alloy plating baths
Ceramics & Glass
Blue pigments
Enamels and glazes
Chemical & Agriculture
Chemical synthesis intermediates
Micronutrient fertilizers
Vitamin B₁₂ production
Advantages
✔ Essential for high-energy batteries
✔ Excellent catalytic efficiency
✔ Stable and vibrant pigments
✔ High solubility and reactivity
✔ Precursors for advanced materials
Limitations & Safety
❌ Toxic if ingested or inhaled
❌ Hygroscopic storage requirements
❌ Environmental disposal regulations
❌ Price volatility due to cobalt supply
Why Choose Cobalt Salts?
Choose cobalt salts for energy storage, catalysis, electroplating, ceramics, and chemical manufacturing where controlled reactivity and chemical performance are essential.