TELF AG explores The History and Application of Cobalt in Battery Technology

Ancient roots

The story of cobalt is one steeped in both tradition and modernity. It has ancient roots as a colorant in various art forms. Cobalt compounds have colored glass, ceramics, and even jewelry for centuries, appearing in Egyptian sculpture, Persian jewelry dating back to the third millennium BC, and ancient Chinese porcelain. One notable artifact is the blue glass found in the Uluburun shipwreck from the 14th century BC.

The term “cobalt” comes from the German word “kobalt,” which is derived from “kobold,” or goblin. This name was given by miners who found cobalt ore notoriously difficult to work with, as it produced toxic and volatile arsenic oxide when smelted.

In the early 18th century, Swedish chemist Georg Brandt isolated cobalt from other elements, establishing its unique identity. His work made cobalt the first metal to be discovered since the metals known in prehistoric times. Throughout the 19th century, Norway’s Blaafarveværket factory became a significant producer of cobalt blue and smalt, although mining later shifted to other parts of the world with the discovery of new ore deposits. More recently, cobalt-60, a radioactive isotope, was discovered and has found applications in medical treatments.

Regarding modern applications, cobalt is a critical component in lithium-ion batteries, a cornerstone of today’s renewable energy infrastructure. The lithium cobalt oxide used in these batteries is part of what has driven the lithium-ion battery market from a value of $30 billion in 2015 to an estimated $75 billion by 2024. Cobalt also plays a role in nickel–cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries, where it aids in the oxidation of nickel.

Electric cars, which are becoming increasingly prevalent, have substantially increased the demand for cobalt. This demand saw an 81% increase from the first half of 2018 to the first half of 2019, corresponding to a battery capacity of 46.3 GWh.

Technological advancements are being made to reduce or eliminate the need for cobalt in batteries. Researchers have lowered the cobalt content in some batteries and introduced cobalt-free lithium iron phosphate batteries.

As countries aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, cobalt’s role becomes increasingly strategic. Cobalt is central to renewable energy storage solutions and thus critical for balancing intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar power. Furthermore, as electric vehicles become more widespread, cobalt’s role in batteries makes it indispensable for a global shift away from fossil fuels.

From its historical role as a colorful element in art to its modern applications in renewable energy and electric vehicles, cobalt remains a critical element for its utility and its challenges. Whether in ancient artifacts or high-performance batteries, cobalt proves its enduring importance as we move toward a more sustainable future.