Oxygen-Breathing Crystal for Better Electronics
- Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in materials science with the creation of a novel crystal capable of repeatedly absorbing and releasing oxygen at relatively low temperatures.
- The key to this innovation lies in the material's unique ability to maintain its structural integrity throughout numerous cycles of oxygen absorption and release.
- The research, led by Professor Hyoungjeen Jeen of Pusan National University and co-authored by Professor Hiromichi Ohta of hokkaido University, details the creation of a metal oxide with...
“Breathing” Crystal Could revolutionize clean Energy and Smart Materials
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Published August 18,2025,8:31 AM EDT
The Dawn of Reversible Oxygen Control
Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in materials science with the creation of a novel crystal capable of repeatedly absorbing and releasing oxygen at relatively low temperatures. This “breathing” crystal, composed of strontium, iron, and cobalt, promises to unlock advancements in clean energy technologies, including more efficient fuel cells, dynamic energy-saving windows, and responsive thermal devices.
The key to this innovation lies in the material’s unique ability to maintain its structural integrity throughout numerous cycles of oxygen absorption and release. Previous materials capable of similar oxygen control were often fragile or required extremely high temperatures to function, limiting their practical applications. This new crystal operates under milder conditions, making it considerably more viable for real-world implementation.
How it effectively works: A Crystal That ‘Breathes’
The research, led by Professor Hyoungjeen Jeen of Pusan National University and co-authored by Professor Hiromichi Ohta of hokkaido University, details the creation of a metal oxide with a specific composition: strontium, iron, and cobalt (SrFe0.5Co0.5O2.5). When heated in a gaseous environment, the crystal releases oxygen. Upon cooling,it readily absorbs oxygen from the surrounding air,returning to its original state. This process is fully reversible and repeatable.
“It is like giving the crystal lungs and it can inhale and exhale oxygen on command,” explained Professor Jeen. The selective reduction of cobalt ions within the crystal structure,leading to the formation of a new,stable crystal structure,is a notably striking aspect of this discovery.
Implications for a Sustainable future
The potential applications of this “breathing” crystal are far-reaching. Controlling oxygen levels in materials is essential to several key technologies:
- Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Thes fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity with minimal emissions, and precise oxygen control is vital for their efficiency.
- Thermal Transistors: These devices can regulate heat flow, acting as switches for thermal energy, and could revolutionize thermal management systems.
- Smart Windows: Windows that automatically adjust their heat flow based on weather conditions, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling.
- Eco-Friendly Building Materials: integrating this technology into building materials could create structures that respond dynamically to environmental changes.
Research Details and Further Information
The findings were published on August 15, 2025, in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications. The research team detailed the material’s properties and demonstrated the full reversibility of the oxygen absorption and release process.
Reference: Lee J, Seo YS, Pitike KC, et al. selective reduction in epitaxial SrFe0.5Co0.5O2.5 and its reversibility. Nature Communications. 2025;16(1):7391. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-62612-1