Yihan Fu
This project focuses on the design and characterization of redox-active crystalline solids synthesized. Building on prior reports of [Ru(bpy)₃]⁰ as an electride and its fulleride salt, my work explores chiral resolution of the precursor to obtain enantiopure [Ru(bpy)₃]⁰, chemical reduction of C₆₀ and other π‑systems using the neutral complex to form charge‑transfer salts with possible superconductivity, and extension to other transition‑metal polypyridyl cations. Integrated X‑ray diffraction, electrochemistry, conductivity measurements, and theory aim to elucidate structure–property relationships, including electron localization and packing effects.