Scientists claim they have pioneered a method to convert metal waste into a highly efficient catalyst for hydrogen production from water.

The team led by researchers from the University of Nottingham's School of Chemistry and Faculty of Engineering said they have uncovered a remarkable property of swarf, a byproduct of the metal machining industry.

According to the researchers, the surface of the swarf, upon microscopic examination, revealed intricate nanoscale textures comprising tiny steps and grooves.

These textures could serve as ideal anchoring points for atoms of platinum or cobalt, transforming swarf into a potent electrocatalyst capable of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Published in the Journal of Material Chemistry by the Royal Society of Chemistry, the research claims to create a promising avenue for green hydrogen production.

Unlike conventional methods reliant on fossil fuels, some scientists claims that water electrolysis could offer a sustainable alternative, necessitating only water and electricity.

Hydrogen-powered cars are in their infancy but analysts believe that they could replace electric vehicles in the coming years.