Forecasting mechanoluminescence self-recovery stability via optically-stimulated luminescence

Abstract

Mechanoluminescence (ML) materials, known for the ability to convert mechanical energy into light, are increasingly recognized for their potential applications. However, current ML research mainly focuses on improving luminescence performance and exploring practical applications, while the self-recovery behavior under continuous mechanical stimuli has not been deeply studied. Here, based on ZnS: Cu⁺, ZnS: Mn²⁺ and SrAl₂O₄: Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺, we systematically investigated the consistent positive correlation relationship between ML self-recoverable response stability and optically-stimulated luminescence (OSL). In addition, this positive correlation still exists after high-temperature treatment at 573.15 K. Through multiple consecutive (∼50 times) ML and OSL response tests, a positive correlation between ML self-recovery ability and OSL stability was established: ML materials with high OSL stability may usually exhibit excellent ML self-recovery ability, and vice versa. These findings provide a convenient and quantifiable strategy for predicting and evaluating the long-term performance of ML materials.