The diamino-aryl-1,4,5,8-naphtalenetetra-carboxylic diimide molecule (NTCDA-(aryl-NH (2))(2)) was successfully prepared by N-acylation reaction of 1,4,5,8-naphtalenetetra-carboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA) with 4-nitroaniline, followed by a simple reduction of nitro groups in amino functions. The molecules were characterized by elemental analysis, SEM, IR and TGA. A Li-ion electrode with NTCDA-(aryl-NH2)(2) as active material was tested and a reversible behavior was observed with a multiple electrons process delivering about 100 mAh g(-1) at an average potential of 2.45 V vs. Li/Li+. The diazotization of NTCDA-(aryl-NH2)(2) and its attachment on a carbon surface was investigated. An irreversible cathodic wave at around 0.0 V vs. Ag/AgNO3 that is associated to the reduction of the in-situ generated NTCDA-(aryl-N-2(+))(2) ions was observed. The blocking effect of the grafted layer deposited on the glassy carbon surface was verified with ferrocene as a redox probe. This molecule was further immobilized on Ketjen black carbon in a one-pot reaction by spontaneous reduction of freshly formed NTCDA-(aryl-N-2(+))(2) ions. The redox-active carbons with a loading of grafted groups estimated between 26.4 and 36.7 wt % cycled at high rate for thousands of cycles. Two other diamines prepared according to the same method were also investigated, as well as their immobilization on Ketjen black surface. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.