Salt Derived from Cobalt Able to Hold and Store Oxygen

Metal Bulletin reported that a “crystal,” or salt that comes from cobalt, seems to be able to hold and store oxygen “at high concentrations.” The discovery, which is detailed in a University of Southern Denmark paper, “could have a lot of useful and potentially life-changing applications.”

As quoted in the market news:

It could feed high concentrations of oxygen into hydrogen fuel cells, lightening the load for lung patients who have to carry around heavy oxygen tanks.

And scuba divers could potentially leave their tanks at home.

Divers could get oxygen from this material as it filters and concentrates oxygen from surrounding air or water.

‘A few grains contain enough oxygen for one breath, and as the material can absorb oxygen from the water around the diver and supply the diver with it, the diver will not need to bring more than these few grains,’ [Professor Christine McKenzie] said.

Click here to read the full Metal Bulletin report.