Lithium batteries have been a boon for the modern world replacing the heavier, single-use alkaline type in everything from wristwatches to jumbo jets.

Unfortunately, these rechargeable batteries are already struggling to keep up with our ever-increasing energy needs, especially for mobile phones, and they are also far from environmentally friendly.

Now researchers at Stanford University in California have unveiled what they claim is the first high-performance aluminium battery rechargeable in as little as one minute.

What’s more, it is allegedly more durable than rivals, and can withstand upwards of 7,500 charge cycles without loss of capacity, compared with 1,000 for Lithium batteries.

Its other remarkable feature is that it is bendable: “It’s possible to have a bendable cell phone. With a bendable screen you have bendable batteries on the back and it’s great,” says Stanford University graduate student, Ming Gong.

The new batteries are made of aluminium and graphite, mat