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

Electrochemical and electrochromic properties of a series of cathodically c oloring copolyimides containing a perylene diimide moiety are reported. Wel l-defined redox responses were obtained in solutions containing large catio n electrolytes that can interact well with the reduced intermediates of per ylene diimide. Reversible switch between red, blue, and violet colors corre sponded well to the three redox states-neutral, radical anion, and dianion forms-of perylene diimide. The fluorescence intensity of these polyimides g radually decreased from the neutral state to the final reduced state.