Scientists discover crystal that "breathes" oxygen and could transform energy, electronics and buildings
By isabelle // 2025-08-22
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  • A newly discovered crystal made of strontium, iron and cobalt can absorb and release oxygen like human lungs without degrading.
  • The breakthrough could revolutionize fuel cells, thermal devices and energy-efficient windows by enabling real-time oxygen control.
  • Unlike previous materials, this crystal remains stable at lower temperatures, making it practical for commercial use.
  • Applications include cleaner energy, self-adjusting smart windows, and thermal transistors to prevent overheating in electronics.
  • Researchers must now refine its heat resistance and scalability to unlock its full potential for sustainable technology.
Imagine a material that inhales and exhales oxygen like human lungs, switching between states on command while staying perfectly stable. Sounds like science fiction? It’s not. A team of researchers from South Korea and Japan has just unveiled a crystal that does exactly that — and it could change the way we power our world. Published in Nature Communications, the study reveals a metal oxide crystal made of strontium, iron, and cobalt that can repeatedly absorb and release oxygen at relatively low temperatures without breaking down. This breakthrough, led by Professor Hyoungjeen Jeen of Pusan National University and co-authored by Professor Hiromichi Ohta of Hokkaido University, opens doors for cleaner fuel cells, smarter thermal devices, and even energy-efficient windows that adjust to the weather. "It is like giving the crystal lungs and it can inhale and exhale oxygen on command," said Prof. Jeen. And unlike previous materials that required extreme heat or fell apart after a few cycles, this one stays intact, making it practical for real-world use.

How the crystal "breathes" and why it matters

The crystal’s secret lies in its ability to form and refill tiny gaps called oxygen vacancies in its structure. When heated in a simple gas environment, it releases oxygen; when oxygen is reintroduced, it absorbs it back. The process is fully reversible, and only the cobalt ions change their state, while the iron keeps the structure stable. This kind of oxygen control is crucial for technologies like solid oxide fuel cells, which generate electricity from hydrogen with minimal emissions. It could also enable thermal transistors—devices that direct heat like electrical switches — and smart windows that adjust their transparency and insulation based on temperature. "This is a major step toward the realization of smart materials that can adjust themselves in real time," said Prof. Ohta. The implications stretch from clean energy to electronics and even eco-friendly building materials.

From fuel cells to self-adjusting windows

One of the most exciting applications is in fuel cells, where oxygen movement is key to converting fuel into electricity efficiently. Current materials often require extreme temperatures, driving up costs. This new crystal operates at milder conditions, potentially making fuel cells more affordable and practical. Then there’s smart windows. The researchers found that when the crystal releases oxygen, it becomes more transparent and electrically resistant, which is a perfect combo for windows that adapt to sunlight and heat. Imagine a building that automatically adjusts its tint and insulation, cutting energy costs without sacrificing comfort. The crystal also shows promise for thermal transistors, which could revolutionize how we manage heat in electronics. By controlling oxygen flow, these devices could switch heat on and off like a lightbulb, preventing overheating in everything from computers to industrial machinery.

Why this discovery stands out

Most materials that can "breathe" oxygen either degrade quickly or need extreme conditions. This crystal is different. It stays stable through multiple cycles, and its structure actually improves when oxygen is reintroduced. "This finding is striking in two ways: only cobalt ions are reduced, and the process leads to the formation of an entirely new but stable crystal structure," explained Prof. Jeen. The iron in the mix acts like a backbone, keeping everything from collapsing while the cobalt does the heavy lifting of oxygen exchange. However, there’s still work to be done. The crystal has a thermal limit as it starts to break down around 932 F (500 C). This means engineers will need to refine it for high-heat applications. Scaling up production and ensuring stability in real-world conditions are the next big steps. But the potential is undeniable. From cleaner energy to smarter buildings, this "breathing" crystal could be the key to a more efficient, sustainable future in which materials don’t just sit there but actually respond to their environment. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com Earth.com IFLScience.com
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