Electrochemical and electrochromic properties of poly(ether naphthalimide)s and related model compounds

The electrochemical and electrochromic properties of poly(ether naphthalimi de)s were studied and compared with related model compounds. The electroact ive sites within the poly(ether naphthalimide)s were identified to be keton e and imide groups. The stepwise coloration process, colorless-red-dark blu e corresponding to the neutral, radical anion and dianion species, was foun d to be related to the first reduction of the imide group and the second re duction of the ketone group. Based on this new polyimide a high-contrast sw itch between colorless and red or colorless and dark blue can be achieved a nd controlled electrically. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reser ved.