Triboluminescence: Materials, Properties, and Applications

Triboluminescence is one of the types of luminescence that could be activated by mechanical stress. Considering the rising research efforts and achievements in recent years, this chapter provides an overview on the study of triboluminescence. The first part gives a background description regarding the history, research status, and advantages of triboluminescence. Then, we summarize the material systems for triboluminescence in both organics and inorganics. In the third part, we review the properties of triboluminescence, particularly on the unique characteristics and their improvements. Finally, we give a comprehensive summary on the developments of triboluminescent devices for applications in various fields in terms of mechanical engineering, energy, biological monitoring, and sensors as well as lighting, imaging, and displaying.