A groundbreaking discovery by a joint team of scientists from South Korea and Japan has led to the creation of a novel crystal material capable of “breathing” oxygen, offering a significant leap forward for clean energy and smart device technologies. Published in Nature Communications on August 15, 2025, this innovative crystal can repeatedly absorb and release oxygen without degrading, operating under conditions milder than previously possible.
The Breakthrough: A Crystal with Lungs
The newly developed crystal, a metal oxide composed of strontium, iron, and cobalt (specifically identified as SrFe0.5Co0.5O2.5), exhibits a unique ability to inhale and exhale oxygen. When heated in a simple gas environment, the crystal efficiently releases oxygen. Crucially, it can then reabsorb oxygen and revert to its original form without losing structural integrity, ensuring long-term reliability and reversibility.
Professor Hyoungjeen Jeen of Pusan National University and Professor Hiromichi Ohta of Hokkaido University led the research. Professor Jeen likened the crystal’s functionality to “giving the crystal lungs, and it can inhale and exhale oxygen on command.” This analogy highlights the unprecedented control over oxygen within a material.
How the Oxygen ‘Breathing’ Crystal Works
The remarkable stability and reversibility of the material stem from a specific chemical process. During oxygen release, only the cobalt ions within the crystal are selectively reduced, leading to the formation of a new, yet stable, crystal structure. The ability of the material to fully revert to its original state upon oxygen reintroduction is a critical aspect, making it highly suitable for practical applications. Unlike previous materials with similar oxygen control mechanisms, this new crystal functions reliably under relatively mild conditions, overcoming limitations of fragility or the need for extreme operational environments.
Revolutionary Applications in Clean Energy and Beyond
The implications of this oxygen-breathing crystal are far-reaching, with potential to revolutionize multiple sectors, including clean energy, advanced electronics, and sustainable construction. Its unique properties make it a prime candidate for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of various technologies.
Advancing Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
One of the most promising applications lies in the development of next-generation solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). SOFCs generate electricity from hydrogen with minimal emissions, and the efficient control of oxygen within their materials is paramount for optimal performance. By enabling better oxygen management, this crystal could significantly boost the efficiency and lifespan of these vital clean energy devices, paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective power generation.
Enhancing Thermal Management and Smart Devices
Beyond fuel cells, the crystal’s ability to absorb and release oxygen could enable the creation of advanced thermal transistors. These devices can channel heat much like electrical switches, allowing for precise temperature control in electronic components and industrial processes.
Furthermore, the technology holds promise for smart windows that can dynamically adjust heat flow based on weather conditions. By leveraging the crystal’s oxygen properties, such windows could regulate internal temperatures, reducing the need for traditional heating and cooling systems and leading to substantial energy savings in buildings. This could revolutionize building design and energy conservation practices, aligning with global efforts towards greater energy efficiency and sustainability.
Paving the Way for Smart Materials
Professor Ohta highlighted that this discovery represents a major advancement toward developing smart materials capable of adjusting themselves in real time. The ability to control oxygen flow within a stable material under milder conditions opens up new avenues for materials science, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in energy efficiency, electronics, and even eco-friendly building materials. This breakthrough could be a critical step in accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels by offering highly efficient and durable alternatives for various technological needs.
