Scientists at the
University of Southern Denmark have developed a crystalline substance that can
bind and store oxygen in high concentrations according to Mic. Apart from the possibility from breathing
underwater, these crystals can also be used in lieu of oxygen tanks for people,
industries, and even vehicles as a source of fuel. These crystals act as both a
sensor and a container for oxygen molecules; they bind, store, and transport
the oxygen within their structure.
The crystals function
through their unique molecular and electronic structure. Cobalt is used in the
material and the resulting molecular and electronic structure gives it an
affinity to oxygen which allows it to be readily absorbed and bonded with the
crystal. Christine McKenzie, researcher from the
University of Southern Denmark describes it as solid artificial hemoglobin. Approximately 10
litres of the crystals can absorb an entire room’s worth of oxygen. The oxygen
can then be released by gently heating them or by introducing them to a low
oxygen environment, and can be done so without the use of pumps or
high-pressure equipment.
These crystals can continually store and release oxygen
without degrading. The rate which the crystals absorb oxygen depends on the
oxygen content in the air, and the pressure and temperature of the environment
they are in. Different types of crystals can be made to store and release
oxygen at different rates and under different circumstances. New research
is being done to see if light could also be used as a release mechanism.
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