Perylene diimide-based radical anions for the rapid detection of picomolar H2O2 in an aqueous medium

The formation of radical anions (PDI 1˙^-) using H₂S as a sacrificial electron donor in 50% HEPES buffer-THF solution is reported. PDI 1˙^- was confirmed by optical, I-V plot, CV, DPV, NOBF₄ and EPR studies. PDI 1˙^- has a half-life of 96 minutes in solution and 11 days in the solid state without any additive. The formation of PDI 1˙^- was confirmed by AFM and SEM. PDI 1˙^- can be used for the detection of 26.6 pM of H₂O₂ supported by optical and CV data.