Scientists unveil oxygen-breathing crystal for clean energy tech

Scientists from South Korea's Pusan National University and Japan's Hokkaido University have unveiled a groundbreaking metal oxide crystal capable of 'breathing' oxygen.

This newly developed material, made of strontium, iron, and cobalt, releases oxygen when heated and reabsorbs it without degradation, mimicking a lung-like process.

The crystal’s unique ability to repeatedly inhale and exhale oxygen under mild conditions marks a major advance over previous materials, which were either fragile or required extreme environments.

This stability opens new doors for cleaner, more efficient energy technologies and smart building solutions.

Breathing Oxygen: The Science Behind the Crystal

This metal oxide releases oxygen molecules into the air when it gets hot and takes them back in when it cools down or is in an oxygen-rich environment.

Importantly, only the cobalt ions in the crystal change during this process, creating a stable new crystal structure that can completely return to its original form.

This ability to go back to its original state ensures the material can be used many times without losing its effectiveness, which is essential for real-world uses that require long-lasting and efficient energy conversion and management

Did you know?
The oxygen-breathing process in the new crystal selectively reduces cobalt ions, creating a new stable structure reversible with oxygen reintroduction.

Transforming Energy and Building Technologies

The oxygen-breathing crystal has enormous implications for solid oxide fuel cells, devices that produce clean electricity from hydrogen with minimal emissions.

Additionally, it can enable thermal transistors, which control heat flow much like electrical switches, and smart windows that adjust heat transmission depending on weather conditions.

These technologies promise smarter, more energy-efficient buildings and electronic devices that actively respond to environmental changes, ultimately reducing energy waste and carbon footprints.

Overcoming Past Limitations

Until now, materials capable of controlled oxygen cycling were either mechanically fragile or operable only at prohibitively high temperatures, limiting practical applications. This new metal oxide crystal withstands many cycles of oxygen release and absorption under milder temperatures without structural degradation.

Researchers highlight this as a vital step toward realizing smart materials that can self-adjust in real time, significantly broadening the scope of applications across clean energy, electronics, and eco-friendly construction.

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Looking Ahead: Smart Materials Revolution

The discovery paves the way for a future where materials dynamically interact with their environments for optimized performance.

By blending the ability to change back and forth with being reliable, the oxygen-breathing crystal sets the stage for new technologies that could greatly enhance energy efficiency and sustainability around