Oxygen Breathing Crystal: A Breakthrough in Clean Energy

An oxygen breathing crystal developed by scientists in Korea and Japan shows a remarkable ability to inhale and exhale oxygen at low temperatures. This discovery could revolutionize clean energy systems, including fuel cells, smart windows, and thermal devices.

A Crystal That Functions Like Human Lungs

The research team created a crystal with lung-like function from strontium, iron, and cobalt. The material releases oxygen in a controlled environment and reabsorbs it without breaking apart. Unlike previous fragile materials, it remains stable under mild conditions and can repeat the process many times.

How Oxygen Control Powers Next-Generation Technology

Controlling oxygen in materials is essential for solid oxide fuel cells that generate electricity from hydrogen with minimal emissions. It also enables thermal transistors, which guide heat like electric switches, and energy-saving windows that adjust to weather conditions.

Scientific Validation of the Oxygen Breathing Crystal

Professor Hyoungjeen Jeen from Pusan National University and Professor Hiromichi Ohta from Hokkaido University led this research. They showed that the cobalt ions undergo reduction, creating a new stable structure. When re-exposed to oxygen, the material returns to its original form. This proves that the process is fully reversible.

The Future of Smart and Eco-Friendly Materials

“This finding is like giving crystals lungs,” says Prof. Jeen. According to Prof. Ohta, the oxygen breathing crystal marks a major step toward smart materials that adapt in real time. Potential applications range from renewable energy and electronics to sustainable construction.

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