Journal of Inorganic Materials, Volume. 39, Issue 10, 1107(2024)
Mechanoluminescent (ML) materials, due to their unique mechanical-to-optical energy conversion, hold significant promise in stress sensing and are poised to become the next generation of visual strain-sensing materials. Currently, expanding ML material systems and enhancing their performance remain focal points of research. In this study, a series of Tb3+-doped green ML phosphors was synthesized using BaSrGa4O8 matrix (hexagonal crystal system, space group P63, with a non-centrosymmetric structure) via high-temperature solid-state synthesis. These materials emitted bright green light under various mechanical excitations (tension, compression, and torsion). Clear note mappings were observed by writing B, S, G, O, T, and b on the prepared ML elastomer with a glass rod. By analyzing the colormap, the stress conditions during the writing process could be traced. This is the first observation of ML phenomenon in the above-mentioned matrix doping system. Under 254 nm ultraviolet (UV) excitation, BaSr1-xGa4O8: xTb3+ phosphors exhibited bright green emission at 543 nm, which was attributed to 5D4-7F5 transition of Tb3+, and shared the same luminescent center as ML. The samples continued to display strong long persistent luminescence after UV irradiation was removed. By combining ML, photoluminescence (PL), and long persistent luminescence (LPL) with thermoluminescence (TL) analysis, further insights into their intrinsic connections were elucidated. In conclusion, this study broadens the range of high-performance ML material systems, showcasing potential applications in visual strain sensing, information security, and anti-counterfeiting.
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Rui SHI, Wei LIU, Lin LI, Huan LI, Zhijun ZHANG, Guanghui RAO, Jingtai ZHAO.
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Received: Mar. 4, 2024
Accepted: --
Published Online: Dec. 13, 2024
The Author Email: RAO Guanghui (rgh@guet.edu.cn), ZHAO Jingtai (jtzhao@guet.edu.cn)