Scientists at the University of Southern Denmark have synthesized a crystal which could allow people to breathe underwater.
Dubbed the Aquaman Crystal – perhaps by fans of the DC superhero – but really called the less catchy “[{(bpbp)Co2II(NO3)}2(NH2bdc)](NO3)2 * 2H2O”, just a
spoonfulbucketful [corrected by them in a youtube comment, ed.] of the material can absorb all the oxygen from a room.The crystal can collect oxygen from the surrounding environment, bind it and store it in high concentration much like an oxygen tank, but without the size and weight. A small amount of heat can then release the oxygen.
“This could be valuable for lung patients who today must carry heavy oxygen tanks with them,” said Professor Christine McKenzie in a statement. “Also divers may one day be able to leave the oxygentanks at home and instead 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.
See International Business Times and Syddansk Universitet
http://youtu.be/co0a3RtGSvE
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Correction in English here on The Independent:
A representative for Syddansk University has issued a revised estimate of the compound’s efficiency. They told Vice in a statement: “I am just updating our story on our website, because it turns out that Prf McKenzie made a calculation error. Pls note that it is not a SPOONFUL of this stuff, that we need to rid a room of oxygen. It is a bucket (10 litres). We apologize.”