Scientists discover oxygen 'breathing' crystal for clean energy tech

Scientists from Pusan National University in South Korea and Hokkaido University in Japan have developed a novel metal oxide crystal composed of strontium, iron, and cobalt that can "breathe" oxygen by repeatedly releasing and reabsorbing it when heated in a simple gas environment. This oxygen-breathing ability is reversible and occurs under mild conditions without degrading the crystal’s structure, overcoming limitations of previous materials that required extreme environments or were too fragile. The discovery, published in Nature Communications, holds promise for advancing clean energy technologies such as solid oxide fuel cells, as well as smart thermal devices and energy-efficient smart windows that can dynamically regulate heat flow. The crystal’s stable structure and selective cobalt reduction allow it to maintain consistent performance over many oxygen absorption-release cycles, making it practical for real-world applications. According to the researchers, this breakthrough could enable innovations like thermal transistors that control heat flow similarly to electrical switches, contributing to smarter, more sustainable buildings and devices. The findings mark a significant step toward