Scientists Discover Crystal That Breathes Oxygen Like Human Lungs
Imagine a rock that can breathe in and out like human lungs. Sounds like science fiction, right? Well, scientists from Korea and Japan have just discovered a new crystal that can do exactly that — and it could change the future of clean energy.
A Crystal That Breathes
This special material, made from strontium, iron, and cobalt, can release oxygen when heated and then take it back in — over and over again — without breaking apart. In other words, it “inhales” and “exhales” oxygen just like living lungs.
Until now, materials that could move oxygen around like this only worked in extreme conditions, such as very high heat. But this new crystal works at much gentler temperatures and stays stable. That makes it practical for real-world use.
Why It Matters
Controlling oxygen in materials is important for many technologies, including:
- Fuel cells that turn hydrogen into electricity with almost no pollution.
- Smart windows that can save energy by adjusting heat flow depending on the weather.
- Thermal devices that control heat the way a switch controls electricity.
Professor Hyoungjeen Jeen from Pusan National University in Korea compared the crystal to having “lungs” that can inhale and exhale on command. His team, along with Professor Hiromichi Ohta from Hokkaido University in Japan, published their findings in Nature Communications on August 15, 2025.
The Big Picture
This “breathing crystal” could be the first step toward smart materials that adjust themselves in real time. Scientists believe the technology might someday power eco-friendly buildings, green electronics, and next-generation energy systems.
As Prof. Ohta explained: “This is a major step toward the realization of smart materials that can adjust themselves in real time.”