"Lithium and cobalt are potentially dangerous substances," he said.
"Damage to batteries containing these substances can make them explode. They are also toxic, leading to several deaths every year from children swallowing these batteries.
"Nor are they easily recyclable, and we are running low on available sources of the raw materials.
"If we do not find alternate sources of lithium and cobalt, we will eventually run out of the resources we currently use to make batteries."
While aluminum was a good alternative, the technology for creating aluminium batteries lagged behind other battery technology—although it was catching up.
However, aluminium was safer to use, as it was non-toxic and not at risk of exploding, was recyclable, and the most abundant metal on Earth.
"This new electrolyte is just another step towards improving aluminium battery technology and making it suitable for commercial use."
Nann and his team had so far tested their electrolyte with a standard graphite-based battery, with plans to adapt the electrolyte so it can be used in batteries that use better performing materials in the future.