Scientists working in Russia and Canada say they have developed an iridium-based catalyst that can convert gasoline into hydrogen in a series of emissions-free reactions.

The catalytic technology has been developed by Canadian outfit PowerNova Technologies, which says that it is capable of powering a fuel-cell car for up to 500 kilometres.

Robert Oralbekov, president and co-chairman of PowerNova, said they planned to market the catalyst, which is composed of iridium and iron, within five years.

"We are solving the infrastructure and the environmental problems 100 per cent," he told Wired News.

However, some scientists have questioned whether PowerNova's catalyst will be cost efficient, and whether it can form part of a practical transport solution.

PowerNova claims its system is a cleaner alternative for powering fuel-cell vehicles than those that use intensive heat to produce hydrogen (a process called steam reformation).