Preface

The book is composed of seven chapters that describe the synthesis, characterization and application of cobalt in recent technologies. Various topics are discussed in the book, such as: the general aspects of cobalt chemistry, synthesis of cobalt and cobalt oxide by different chemical techniques, substitution and redox properties of some organo-isocyanide cobalt complexes and effect of cobalt on morphology of microhole formed by micropunching and a review of radionuclide cobalt-60 as a fine-sediment tracer. Each chapter is written clearly and precisely and illustrates easier understanding of the phenomena described in it. This book addresses not only scientists in specialized fields, but also doctorate students, postdoc‐ toral researchers and technical professionals.

All authors that contributed to this book are very active and competent in their field, and therefore this book provides up-to-date information about the concerned topics. The content of the book provides fundamental preparation needed for further study of advanced topics on cobalt and its application. At the end of each chapter, proper references are included that can lead the readers to the best sources in the literature and help them to go into more de‐ tails about the concerned topic.

I am grateful to all the authors who are experts in their fields for helping me to complete this project and also to the entire InTech publishing team for making this project possible. I am very thankful to the Publishing Process Manager Ms. Iva Simcic for her cooperative attitude during the entire reviewing and publishing processes. I hope that this book will provide an opportunity to the readers to strengthen their knowledge and capabilities in the relevant field.

> **Dr. Khan Maaz** Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology Pakistan

**Provisional chapter**
