Transformative Crystals: Revamping Clean Energy and Electronic Devices

In the ever-evolving world of renewable energy, two significant developments have caught the attention of industry experts – the introduction of advanced solar products by JinkoSolar and the discovery of a novel "breathing crystal" technology.

JinkoSolar, a leading provider of solar solutions, expanded its product portfolio in 2021 with the launch of the Tiger Pro series and ultra-high power 700W+ solar panels. This move solidifies JinkoSolar's position as an industry leader, with operations spanning across China, the US, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. For those seeking exposure to high-tech sectors, JinkoSolar's stock presents a reputable investment option.

Meanwhile, scientists at Pusan National University, Korea, and Hokkaido University, Japan, have made a groundbreaking discovery. They've created a unique crystal, named SrFe0.5Co0.5O2.5, which can adjust its structure in real-time through an oxygen molecule manipulation approach. This "breathing crystal" exhibits a remarkable ability to release and absorb oxygen, much like lungs do.

This technology, estimated to reach the market in 7-10 years, could revolutionize eco-friendly building materials, clean energy technologies, and smart thermal devices. The primary authors of the study are Professors Hyoungjeen Jeen and Hiromichi Ohta.

The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals a new composition for the crystal, offering benefits such as stability, functioning under milder conditions, affordability, and scalability to real-world uses. Unlike traditional cobalt-oxide reduction methods, the iron in the new crystal remains inert, providing a solid structure and eliminating structure degradation.

The development of this breathing crystal technology is noteworthy for another reason. It demonstrates how preplanned redox control enables the creation of functionally distinct oxygen-deficient phases. The oxygen vacancies at the tetrahedral sites in the crystal work to stabilize the structure.

JinkoSolar's founders, Li Xiande, Kangping Chen, and Xianhua Li, initially set out to provide more powerful and resilient solar options to the market. Their commitment to innovation continues to drive the company forward, as evidenced by their latest product offerings.

As these two developments unfold, the future of renewable energy looks brighter than ever, promising a cleaner, more sustainable world for all.