Revealing the Role of Interfacial Charge Transfer in Mechanoluminescence

Mechanoluminescence (ML) involves light emission induced by mechanical stress, categorized into triboluminescence (TL), piezoluminescence (PL), sonoluminescence (SL), and triboelectrification-induced electroluminescence (TIEL). The most common is TL, in which crystal fracture generates opposing charges that excite surrounding molecules. In PL, applied pressure induces light emission via charge recombination. SL occurs in gas-saturated liquids under sudden pressure changes. TIEL has gained increasing attention as it operates without the need for asymmetric crystal structures or strain fields. However, conventional ML faces practical limitations due to its dependence on complex structures or strain fields. In contrast, contact-electro-luminescence (CEL) has emerged as a promising alternative, enabling luminol luminescence via charge transfer and reactive oxygen species generation through contact electrification (CE) between inert dielectrics and water. CEL provides a simpler and more versatile approach than traditional ML techniques, underscoring the pivotal role of charge-transfer processes. This perspective highlights the potential of CEL in expanding ML applications across sensing, energy conversion, and environmental monitoring.