Aquaman crystal could let divers Breathe underwater

Aquaman crystal is a new material that steals the oxygen from the air, could let divers breathe underwater.    Image © wikimedia

Scientists at the University of Southern Denmark, have created Aquaman crystal, a crystalline material that can pull all the oxygen out of room with just a spoonful.

According to the researchers just one spoon of the new substance is enough to absorb all the oxygen in a room. The stored oxygen can be released again when and where it is needed.

Professor Christine McKenzie, explains:
“In the lab, we saw how this material took up oxygen from the air around us.

An important aspect of this new material is that it does not react irreversibly with oxygen — even though it absorbs oxygen in a so-called selective chemisorptive process. The material is both a sensor, and a container for oxygen — we can use it to bind, store and transport oxygen — like a solid artificial hemoglobin.

It is also interesting that the material can absorb and release oxygen many times without losing the ability. It is like dipping a sponge in water, squeezing the water out of it and repeating the process over and over again.”

Professor Christine McKenzie (center in photo) and postdoc Jonas Sundberg, Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Southern Denmark, Department of Physics. Credit: Image courtesy of University of Southern Denmark