Here comes a crisp and lab-friendly specification for Cobalt Oxide—delivered with zero external site references in the content, just solid chemistry with a dash of charm.
🔷 Cobalt Oxide Specifications
Cobalt Oxide typically refers to one of two industrially important forms:
- Cobalt(II) oxide – CoO
Black to olive-gray powder - Cobalt(II,III) oxide – Co₃O₄
Fine black crystalline powder
Both are used widely in ceramics, catalysts, batteries, and pigments.
🧪 Basic Chemical Identity
| Property | CoO | Co₃O₄ |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Cobalt + Oxygen (2+) state | Mixed oxidation state 2+ / 3+ |
| Molecular weight | ~74.93 g/mol | ~240.80 g/mol |
| Appearance | Gray-black powder | Jet black powder |
| Crystal structure | Rock-salt type | Spinel structure |
| Odor | Odorless | Odorless |
🔥 Physical Properties
| Parameter | CoO | Co₃O₄ |
|---|---|---|
| Melting point | ~1,930 °C | Decomposes to CoO at ~900–1,100 °C |
| Density (approx.) | ~6.45 g/cm³ | ~6.11 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble | Insoluble |
| Solubility in acids | Soluble in most mineral acids | Slowly soluble in strong acids |
✅ Purity & Impurities (Typical Ranges)
Exact limits depend on grade (battery, ceramic, catalyst), but these reflect common industry specs:
| Grade type | Typical Purity |
|---|---|
| Battery / high purity | ≥ 99% Co oxide content |
| Ceramic / pigment | ≥ 97–99% |
| Catalytic grade | ≥ 98% |
Impurities often monitored: Fe, Ni, Mn, Cu, Ca, Mg, SiO₂, etc., usually maintained in ppm–0.5% range depending on application.
🏭 Application Highlights
- Ceramics & Glass: Provides rich blue coloration
- Lithium-ion batteries: Cathode materials (especially Co₃O₄)
- Catalysts: For chemical & petrochemical processes
- Pigments, magnetic materials, electronics
Cobalt oxides behave like the mood artists of materials science: heat them, press them, or add them into a glaze and they reveal stunning blues and performance magic.
🔒 Storage & Handling
- Store in sealed containers to prevent contamination
- Keep in a cool, dry environment
- Avoid dust formation; cobalt compounds can be toxic if inhaled or ingested
- Use proper PPE like gloves, lab coat, respirator when handling powders
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Classified as harmful/toxic with chronic exposure risks
- Avoid inhalation and environmental release
- Follow local regulations for waste disposal
📌 Quick Summary Table
| Feature | CoO | Co₃O₄ |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Gray-black | Deep black |
| Oxidation state | +2 | +2 / +3 |
| Common uses | Pigments, ceramics | Batteries, catalysts |
| Water solubility | Insoluble | Insoluble |
| High-grade purity | ≥ 99% | ≥ 99% |
If you want, I can also tailor these specs to a specific grade like:
- Pharmaceutical
- Ceramic/Pigment grade
- Battery cathode grade
- Nanopowder grade
Tell me your intended use and I will craft the exact specification sheet format you can print or attach in quality documentation.
