While Ted continues working to enhance lab instruction, he has been increasingly tangled up in the mysteries of the newest generation of electrochemical cells (aka batteries.) These generally involve oxidation-reduction reactions so subtle they almost can’t be explained to a layperson, or profoundly understood without reference to obscure materials science. Ted is investigating the use of the most active metals, and efficient anode materials derived from cellulosic plant tissues, in the interest of greater energy efficiency and less waste upon disposal.