Modulating Smart Mechanoluminescent Phosphors for Multistimuli Responsive Optical Wood

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Luminescence Phenomena
• Smart Materials

Background:

• Mechanoluminescence converts mechanical energy into light, offering potential in energy and sensing.
• Strontium magnesium silicate (Sr₂MgSi₂O₇, SMSO) is a promising host material for luminescence.
• Developing multifunctional materials with tunable optical properties is crucial for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanoluminescence and long afterglow properties of Eu²⁺ and Dy³⁺ doped/codoped Sr₂MgSi₂O₇ (SMSO).
• To analyze the multimode luminescence (photoluminescence, mechanoluminescence, afterglow, X-ray luminescence) of SMSO.
• To create a novel multifunctional composite material integrating SMSO phosphors into optically transparent wood.

Main Methods:

• Singly and codoping of Sr₂MgSi₂O₇ with Eu²⁺ and Dy³⁺ ions at varying concentrations.
• Comprehensive analysis of photoluminescence, mechanoluminescence, long afterglow, and X-ray-induced luminescence.
• First-principles calculations for density of states mapping.
• Incorporation of doped SMSO powders into pretreated, delignified natural wood using epoxy resin composites.

Main Results:

• Enhanced mechanoluminescence properties in SMSO were confirmed, attributed to deep traps introduced by Dy³⁺.
• A multifunctional composite wood was successfully fabricated, exhibiting mechanoluminescence, long afterglow, and X-ray-excited luminescence.
• The composite material demonstrated environmental friendliness, sustainability, self-power capability, and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• Dy³⁺ doping significantly enhances the mechanoluminescence of Sr₂MgSi₂O₇ by introducing deep trap states.
• Optically transparent wood serves as a viable and sustainable matrix for creating multifunctional luminescent composites.
• The developed mechanoluminescent wood composite holds promise for applications in construction materials and energy-efficient displays.