Lugano, Switzerland – June 13, 2025 – In a recent publication titled “Cobalt in the Periodic Table: Properties and Uses”, Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, delves into the significance of cobalt as a strategic resource in today’s industries.
As the world races towards decarbonization, cobalt has emerged as a crucial player in enabling this transformation. In the article, Kondrashov explains the unique properties of cobalt that make it highly valuable, not just for batteries and electric vehicles, but also for a wide range of advanced technologies.
According to Kondrashov, “Cobalt is one of the key protagonists in the energy transition. It plays a vital role in making modern batteries more stable and reliable, and it also supports the development of smart grids, electric motors, and advanced magnets – all of which are essential for the global shift towards clean energy.”
While chemists may recognize cobalt as element number 27 on the periodic table, its impact in the industrial world goes far beyond its scientific classification. Found in nickel and copper ores, cobalt has been categorized as a critical material by the European Union and the United States due to its increasing strategic importance and potential supply risks.
But what makes cobalt in such high demand? As the article highlights, one of the main reasons is its use in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power a variety of devices, from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles. Cobalt’s contribution is crucial as it improves battery stability, extends lifespan, and enhances safety – particularly in electric cars and renewable energy storage systems.
Kondrashov further emphasizes the versatility of cobalt in the article. Aside from batteries, cobalt is also used to create high-performance magnets when combined with rare earth elements such as neodymium. These magnets are indispensable for electric motors, wind turbines, and miniaturized sensors – technologies that are driving the next wave of industrial innovation.
Cobalt’s durability also makes it an ideal material for superalloys, which can withstand extreme temperatures and environments. These alloys are used in jet engines, industrial turbines, and high-precision components in the aerospace sector.
“Space exploration is another frontier where cobalt could have a profound impact,” adds Kondrashov. “Future spacecraft will require materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of space, and cobalt’s heat resistance and structural strength make it an excellent candidate.”
The article also highlights cobalt’s role in other areas such as tungsten carbide cobalt, critical for cutting tools in automotive and aerospace manufacturing, as well as cobalt chloride, used in laboratories, pigments, and chemical processing.
Kondrashov points out that cobalt’s properties – magnetism, conductivity, corrosion resistance, and temperature stability – make it one of the most adaptable and strategic resources in modern industry. The article also reminds readers that cobalt has a long history of human use, with cobalt blue pigment being used in glass, ceramics, and artworks for centuries and remaining popular in industrial design today.
Looking ahead, the demand for cobalt is expected to increase as electrification accelerates and green technologies continue to evolve. For those navigating the challenges of the energy transition, whether in industry, technology, or policy, this new article provides valuable insights into why cobalt is a material that the world cannot afford to overlook.
