The U.S.-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Samsung Group said Wednesday they have found a way to make batteries with an "indefinite" lifetime by replacing an existing liquid substance with a solid material.

MIT and Samsung discovered that one of the three basic components of batteries, the electrolyte, could help extend the batteries' lifetime indefinitely, in theory, if it is changed to a solid state from the current liquid form.

MIT said the findings will become a "game changer" for the battery industry, as it "solves most of the remaining issues in battery lifetime, safety, and cost."

While a liquid-state-electrolyte battery degrades over its lifespan during charging and discharging, the breakthrough would prevent such damage, allowing the battery to last "hundreds of thousands of cycles," MIT said.

Solid-state-electrolyte batteries are also safer as they do not overheat and are not flammable.

"You could throw it against the wall, drive a nail through it.

There's nothing there to burn," MIT added.

The new battery also has an improved power capacity that is 20 to 30 percent higher than traditional models, and can endure frigid temperatures as well. (Yonhap)