Queensland researchers say they have made a major breakthrough in renewable energy technology.

Professor Max Lu from the University of Queensland says they have been able to grow titanium oxide crystals, which could be used in solar power cells and water purification and recycling devices.

He says the material is cheap and easy to produce and it will make solar energy more cost-effective.

"The promise of such a crystal is, because it's such a high-reactivity surface that we're creating, they will enable the boosting of efficiency in terms of solar energy conversion to electricity," he said.

"In other words, if this can be made into a solar cell it is going to be much more efficient."

He says the technology will make solar power more cost-effective, but concedes that it is up to 10 years away from being commercially available.

"This has shown great promise. The prospect of this in the area of renewable energy is huge," he said.