Cobalt nanoparticles as bioactive and sustainable species: development, environmental risk assessment, and future prospects

Cobalt-containing nanoparticles (Co-NPs) have emerged as promising materials due to their unique physicochemical features, such as magnetic properties, catalytic efficiency, and well-developed surface area, which can be used in many fields. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of various synthesis methods for Co-NPs, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and applications. Particular emphasis was placed on the green synthesis approach as a sustainable and biocompatible alternative. The advanced characterization techniques were discussed for the evaluation of the structural and functional attributes of Co-NPs. The authors prioritized their potential in agriculture, biomedicine, and environmental remediation. It was concluded that despite the promising potential of Co-NPs, issues related to aggregation, toxicity, and scalability remain significant challenges. Future directions of research on Co-NPs should include optimizing synthesis techniques, increasing their environmental safety, as well as testing the application of nanoparticles in precision agriculture.