A novel
aromatic diamine containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole-substituted
triphenylamine (TPA) was successfully synthesized and structurally
characterized. Based on this, a series of three aromatic polyimides
with high thermal stability were prepared and processed in thin coatings
with a grain-like morphology. Their ability to form a dual intramolecular
charge transfer complex between TPA and 1,3,4-oxadiazole in the side
chain and TPA and phthalimide in the main chain was proven. Both the
optical effects and electronic properties were found to be modulated
by the competing electron-withdrawing character of 1,3,4-oxadiazole/imide
units. The electrochemical investigation suggested their n-type redox
capability and electron transporting characteristics, a statement
supported by current–voltage measurements of some indium tin
oxide/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate/polyimide/eGaIn
prototype devices. Thereby, the present polyimides enable the pathway
toward alternative n-type materials currently used in optoelectronics
devices.