Such materials could be used to make hydrogen cartridges that would slot into fuel-cell cars, making refuelling as simple as pulling into a filling station and swapping an empty cartridge for a full one.

ECONOMIST: Space-age soot

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, wants to make Britain a leader in fuel cell technology and has already announced plans to increase hydrogen refuelling stations around the capital.

ENGADGET: UK's first fuel cell-powered black cab hits the streets of London

The fuel cell and battery powered hybrid taxi provides a 250 mile driving range with rapid refuelling, all within the confines of the body of a conventional London taxi.

ENGADGET: UK's first fuel cell-powered black cab hits the streets of London

Although this is impressive, America's Department of Energy has calculated that carbon materials will need to be able to store 6.5% of their own weight of hydrogen in order to make fuel-cell cars practical (defined as having a range of 500km, or 310 miles, between refuelling stops).

ECONOMIST: Space-age soot