Clean Energy and Electronic Innovation: Crystals that Breathe
In the realm of scientific research, a groundbreaking study is unfolding at Pusan National University in Korea and Hokkaido University in Japan. The focus of this research is on breathing crystals, a novel material with potential applications in eco-friendly building materials, clean energy technologies, and smart thermal devices.
The study, primarily authored by Professors Hyoungjeen Jeen and Hiromichi Ohta, delves into Transition Metal Oxides (TMOs) such as strontium, iron, and cobalt. The team of engineers has created a new TMO composition, introducing a novel TMO called SrFe0.5Co0.5O2.5. This unique composition supports a broader spectrum of oxygen stoichiometries, a significant leap in the field of material science.
The key finding of the study reveals that the Fe remains chemically stable under several reducing conditions, strengthening the structural support by preventing apical oxygen removal. This stability is crucial, as it confirms the potential of these breathing crystals in various high-tech industries like computing and aerospace.
Unlike traditional cobalt-oxide reduction methods, the iron in the new TMO composition remains inert, providing a solid structure to the crystals and eliminating structure degradation. This is a significant step forward, as it ensures the long-term viability and durability of the breathing crystals.
The SrFe0.5Co0.5O2.5 crystals exhibit a unique breathing action, releasing and absorbing oxygen like lungs. The oxygen vacancies at the tetrahedral sites in these crystals work to stabilize the structure, ensuring its stability under milder conditions and affordability for large-scale applications.
The tests conducted on these crystals demonstrated how Fe plays a crucial role in maintaining structural coherence and preventing decomposition in TMOs. The results of the study suggest that the technology will reach the market in 7-10 years, with potential faster integration in the green energy sector.
Moreover, the benefits of this research extend beyond the laboratory. The breathing crystals study offers stability under milder conditions, affordability, scalability to real-world uses, and the ability to convert phases with full redux capabilities. The method used to create these crystals is also low-cost and controllable, making it a promising solution for various industries.
The study has received financial and material support from the Research Institute for Electronic Science, Hokkaido University, Japan, and a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean government. The team of researchers includes Joonhyuk Lee, Yu-Seong Seo, Krishna Chaitanya Pitike, Gowoon Kim, Sangkyun Ryu, Hyeyun Chung, Su Ryang Park, Sangmoon Yoon, Younghak Kim, and Valentino R. Cooper.
Meanwhile, in the world of solar energy, JinkoSolar, a leading provider of high-efficiency photovoltaic panels, continues to push for more powerful solar panels. The company, based in China with operations in several regions, including the US, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, made significant strides in 2021 with the introduction of their Tiger Pro series and ultra-high power 700W+ series options. JinkoSolar's commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns well with the potential of the breathing crystals study.
As these two fields of research progress, the future for eco-friendly materials and green energy looks promising. The demand for such technologies is strong, and with continued research and development, we can expect to see significant advancements in the coming years.
