Recent advances in multimodal mechanoluminescent sensors enabled by nanostructure design

Abstract

The multiple perceptual behaviors of creatures to the highly complex world greatly benefit their survival in the cruel environment. Inspired by this, multimodal sensing materials have been expected as one of the most crucial elements to bridge artificial intelligence with reality in rapidly evolving technological competition. The well-organized integration of multiple independent stimulus responses in a single material rather than simple integration is expected to benefit the accuracy and multifunctional applications of sensing devices greatly. However, the desired multi-function coupling through elaborate nanostructure and supramolecular design still remains challenges and attracts great attention. Under the framework of nanostructure design for multimodal response, the coupling of mechanoluminescent ability and advanced stimulus-response has been reported being able to realize comprehensive perception and multifunctional applications for more complex scenarios. Herein, this mini review briefly outlines an overview about latest advances of multimodal mechanoluminescent sensors, concentrates on the nanostructure design strategy for multiple function coupling, including triboelectric compositing, supramolecular interfacial connection, and band structure modulation, etc., emphatically discusses the advantages of mechanoluminescence coupling with self-powered sensing, piezoresistive response, temperature/chemical detection, and corresponding advanced tools for heterogeneous output decoupling. Finally, the conclusions and outlooks of multimodal mechanoluminescent sensors are presented.