The research, led by Professor Hyoungjeen Jeen of Pusan National University and Professor Hiromichi Ohta of Hokkaido University, was published in Nature Communications and highlights new possibilities for technologies such as solid oxide fuel cells, thermal transistors, and smart windows.
Breathing crystal could power next-gen technologies
According to Professor Jeen, as quoted by Interesting Engineering, the new discovery is like “giving the crystal lungs, and it can inhale and exhale oxygen on command.” Controlling oxygen within materials is key for solid oxide fuel cells, which generate electricity from hydrogen with minimal emissions.
Beyond fuel cells, the crystal’s oxygen-breathing ability could enable thermal transistors, which channel heat like electrical switches, and smart windows that automatically adjust heat flow based on weather conditions.
Past limitations
Previously, materials capable of controlling oxygen were fragile or required extreme conditions, making them impractical for everyday technologies. The new crystal, however, operates reliably under milder conditions, repeatedly absorbing and releasing oxygen without degradation. This makes it highly suitable for real-world clean energy, electronics, and building materials applications.
Stable structure through selective cobalt reduction
The scientists noted that only the cobalt ions in the crystal are reduced during the oxygen-breathing process, which forms a new yet stable crystal structure. Experiments confirmed that the material can fully revert to its original form once oxygen is reintroduced, ensuring reversibility and long-term reliability.
Professor Ohta highlighted that this discovery represents a major advance toward developing smart materials capable of adjusting in real time.
With potential energy, electronics, and sustainable construction applications, the oxygen-breathing crystal could play a key role in enhancing efficiency and sustainability across multiple industries.
