Comprehensive investigations of trans-cis-trans isomerization in the solid state for azo polyimides

The goal of the studies was to compare the photoresponse for a series of functionalized and "guest-host" azo polyimides. We investigated the cis-isomer content in the photostationary state and dynamics of cis-trans relaxation in the dark for azo polyimides with different types, locations, and content of azo groups. The trans-cis reaction was induced by 365 nm diode light. The multiple reversibility of the trans-cis-trans reaction was monitored in 10 cycles (or 100 cycles for selected polymers). The cis-trans conversion was generated by 460 nm diode light.

The data set includes files:

• ¹H NMR in DMSO-d₆ for new azo polyimides (denoted as PI-7 and PI-9)
• FTIR in KBr pallets for PI-7 and PI-9.
• DSC curves for PI-7 and PI-9.
• UV-Vis spectra for azo polyimides in NMP solution.
• UV-Vis spectra for azo polyimides in the solid state before and after 365 nm light irradiation, and monitored after turning off the excitation light.
• UV-Vis spectra generated by two diodes 365 nm and 460 nm in 10 and/or 100 repeated cycles.