A group of researchers in Korea and Japan has identified a completely new kind of crystal that can actually “breathe.” The material is able to take in and release oxygen over and over again at relatively low temperatures. This unusual property could open the door to major advances in clean energy systems, including fuel cells, smart windows that regulate heat, and next-generation thermal devices.
The material is a specially engineered metal oxide made of strontium, iron, and cobalt. What makes it remarkable is its resilience: when heated in a simple gas environment, the crystal lets go of oxygen and then draws it back in without breaking down. This cycle can be repeated many times, making the crystal well suited for practical technologies.
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