South Korean and Japanese scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize clean energy tech. They have created a “breathing” crystal that is capable of cycling oxygen in and out of its structure without degrading.
In a joint press release from Pusan National University and Hokkaido University on Aug. 18, the researchers explained that it could be particularly beneficial for fuel cells, smart thermal devices and energy-saving window technologies.
The newly developed crystal formulation is comprised of strontium, iron and cobalt in a unique metal oxide. This combination of elements has never been used in this manner before.
“Until now, most materials that could do this kind of oxygen control were too fragile or operated only at the harsh conditions like extremely high temperatures,” the schools explained.
The immense heat generated by conventional fuel cells is a significant issue that scientists have been trying to find a way to overcome for years. This extreme temperature can cause the components and key materials inside fuel cells like zirconia to degrade over time, significantly shortening their lifespan while incurring hefty costs.
“Innovation at the atomic level might just be the key to a net-zero future!!!” commented one clean tech enthusiast in India.
Read more: Breath Diagnostics leader speaks at lung cancer education event in Louisville
The new frontier of smart windows, conceivably
Pending further development, smart windows that regulate the amount of heat that can pass through them could potentially become increasingly efficient by using the metal oxide substance.
As the crystal has an ability to adjust transparency based on oxygen content, it could theoretically enable window panes to regulate temperature more effectively than currently available technologies that use electrochromic or thermochromic materials. The energy saving possibilities are major.
“This new material works under milder conditions and remains stable,” the institutions highlighted.
Their highly complicated study on the novel substance titled “Selective Reduction in Epitaxial SrFe0.5Co0.5O2.5 and its Reversibility” was published in Nature Communications on Aug. 15.
“The potential applications range from clean energy to electronics and even eco-friendly building materials,” said co-author Professor Hiromichi Ohta from Hokkaido University’s Research Institute for Electronic Science.
By enabling oxygen control at low temperatures, this new crystal could lower the energy demands of clean technologies and make them more economical. Thermal transistors could regulate heat with a much higher level of precision as a result, and the list goes on.
With additional research, it may become a cornerstone of several global industries, transforming everything from architecture to advanced electronics and transportation.
Scientists Create a Crystal That Breathes Oxygen – A Breakthrough for Clean Energy (and more)
A Korea – Japan research team has created a new crystal that can "breathe" by releasing and absorbing oxygen at relatively low temperatures, without breaking down.
Made of strontium,… pic.twitter.com/aVcVo3HFbu
— Dr Singularity (@Dr_Singularity) August 16, 2025
Read more: Breath Diagnostics takes aim at lung cancer with One Breath
Follow Rowan Dunne on LinkedIn
rowan@mugglehead.com
