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Researchers in Denmark have developed a 'wonder material' that absorbs and stores huge amounts of oxygen.

The crystalline material is so good at binding the gas that just a bucket-full is enough to suck up all the oxygen in a room.

Scientists hope it could someday be used by patients experiencing lung problems as well as help scuba divers breathe underwater.

Researchers in Denmark have developed a 'wonder material' (right) that absorbs and stores huge amounts of oxygen. Scientists hope it could someday be used by patients experience lung problems as well as help scuba divers breathe underwater without the need for large oxygen tanks

Using cobalt as the main ingredient, researchers from University of Southern Denmark cooked up a material that captures oxygen in a concentration 160 times great than the air we breathe.

The material can store oxygen and release it when needed using a small amount of heat.

'The material is both a sensor, and a container for oxygen - we can use it to bind, store and transport oxygen - like a solid artificial haemoglobin,' said Professor Christine McKenzie from the University of Southern Denmark.

'It is also interesting that the material can absorb and release oxygen many times without losing the ability.

'The material is both a sensor, and a container for oxygen - we can use it to bind, store and transport oxygen - like a solid artificial haemoglobin,' said Professor Christine McKenzie (centre) who led the study

Professor McKenzie likens it to dipping a sponge in water, squeezing the water out of it and repeating the process over again.

Given its binding powers, the material could be kept in a small container and even works underwater.

The finding means that patients who have lung problems in hospitals, or scuba divers, can use the material to get their oxygen.

'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,' said Professor McKenzie.

The team are now experimenting with light to see if can trigger the release of oxygen in the hopes that it could be used in artificial photosynthesis.