Researchers at Californias Stanford University have created an aluminium-based battery which they hope could replace the standard lithium models currently found in smartphones, tablets and laptops.

In addition to delivering what the team behind the project call “unprecedented charging times”, the aluminium prototype is also safer that lithium-ion batteries, which can catch fire in certain situations, and are more environmentally friendly than traditional alkaline batteries.

The findings, which were published in scientific journal Nature, demonstrated that the batteries were far more durable, able to withstand more than 7,500 cycles without any loss of capacity, compared to lithium-ion batteries, which last around 1,000 cycles. Previous aluminium-based batteries have died within just 100 charge and discharge cycles.

“We have developed a rechargeable aluminium battery that may replace existing storage devices, such as alkaline batteries, which are bad for the environment, and lithium-ion batteries, which occasionally burst into flames,” said Hongjie Dai, professor of chemistry at Stanford University. “Our new battery wont catch fire, even if you drill through it.

“Millions of consumers use 1.5-volt AA and AAA batteries. Our rechargeable aluminium battery generates about two volts of electricity. Thats higher than anyone has achieved with aluminium.”

The new batteries may also lead to a revolution in design for smartphones and wearables, thanks to their flexibility. The design can be bended and folded without damage, meaning mobile manufacturers could integrate it into devices in new ways. Aluminium is also a cheaper metal than lithium, which may see manufacturing costs drop if the new battery is adopted by device makers.