Electrochemical characterization, electrochroism, and voltage-dependent fluorescence of novel perylene-containing polyimides

Electrochemical and electrochromic properties of a series of cathodically coloring copolyimides containing a perylene diimide moiety are reported. Well-defined redox responses were obtained in solutions containing large cation electrolytes that can interact well with the reduced intermediates of perylene diimide. Reversible switch between red, blue, and violet colors corresponded well to the three redox states-neutral, radical anion, and dianion forms-of perylene diimide. The fluorescence intensity of these polyimides gradually decreased from the neutral state to the final reduced state.