Synthesis and optoelectronic properties of polyimides with naphthyldiphenylamine chromophores

A series of electroactive polyimides with naphthyldiphenylamine units were prepared from the polycondensation reactions of N, N'-bis(4-aminophenyl)-N,N'-di-2-naphthyl-1,4-phenylenediamine with four tetracarboxylic dianhydrides via a conventional two-step technique. Most of the polyimides were readily soluble in many organic solvents and could be solution-cast into tough and amorphous films. These polyimides exhibited glass-transition temperatures of 288-329 degrees C and did not show significant decomposition before 500 degrees C. They showed well-defined and reversible redox couples during both p-and n-doping processes, together with multi-electrochromic behaviors.