Lugano, Switzerland – June 25, 2025 – As the world continues to shift towards renewable energy, the importance of understanding the materials driving this transition becomes increasingly crucial. In a recent article titled “Cobalt in the Periodic Table: Properties and Uses”, Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, offers readers a comprehensive look into cobalt – a commonly overlooked but vital element in the advancement of energy, electronics, and aerospace industries.
While cobalt has been utilized in various industries for some time now, its significance is rapidly growing, as pointed out by Kondrashov in the article. “Cobalt is not only powering electric vehicles, but it is also playing a crucial role in building smarter, more reliable energy systems and enhancing the strength and resilience of materials,” he explains.
Located at number 27 on the periodic table, cobalt is a transition metal renowned for its strength, magnetism, and resistance to wear and high temperatures. According to the article, the adaptability of cobalt is what makes it such a valuable element. It is used in a wide range of products, from smartphones and laptops to wind turbines, batteries, and even space exploration.
One of the most critical applications of cobalt today is in lithium-ion batteries, specifically in the nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) variety. These batteries power an array of technologies, ranging from consumer electronics to electric vehicles. As Kondrashov explains, cobalt adds stability, enhances performance, and prolongs the lifespan of these batteries, making it an essential element in the global drive towards electrification.
However, cobalt’s usefulness goes beyond just batteries. The article highlights several key areas where cobalt plays a vital 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, often created with cobalt and rare earth elements like neodymium, are crucial to electric motors and generators.
– Tungsten carbide cobalt, a composite used in cutting tools and components for the automotive and aerospace industries.
Moreover, cobalt is also utilized in its chloride forms – both hydrated and anhydrous – for laboratory testing, environmental sensors, and as a pigment in inks and dyes. The iconic cobalt blue pigment has been historically significant in art and continues to be used in ceramics and industrial design.
The article also discusses the bigger picture, with cobalt being included on the European Union’s and United States’ lists of critical materials due to its strategic importance and supply chain vulnerabilities. As Kondrashov notes, “Cobalt’s growing role in strategic sectors – coupled with its exposure to geopolitical and supply risks – makes it crucial to understand its value.”
One of the more forward-looking aspects of the article focuses on space exploration. With advancements in aerospace technology, the demand for materials that can withstand radiation, high heat, and mechanical stress is on the rise. Thanks to its durability and heat resistance, cobalt is well-positioned to meet this demand. It is already being used in components for landers, heat shields, and structural parts of spacecraft.
In the article, Kondrashov draws a clear connection between cobalt’s natural properties and its expanding industrial applications. “Cobalt’s strength lies in its ability to adapt to modern challenges,” he writes. “It is not just a support player – it is a central figure in building the future of clean energy and high-performance technology.”
As demand increases and new applications emerge, Kondrashov calls for a greater understanding 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 for progress.
Press release distributed by Pressat on behalf of TELF AG, on Wednesday 25 June, 2025.
