Interfacial dipole moment engineering in self-recoverable mechanoluminescent platform

Abstract

Harnessing the potential of mechanoluminescence (ML) for practical applications necessitates innovations that maximize brightness while simplifying the platform. Our study introduces a pioneering interfacial modification technique that enhances the internal triboelectric field in a self-recoverable ML platform based on zinc sulfide@metal oxide phosphor and a polydimethylsiloxane matrix. By chemically functionalizing the surface of metal oxide shells with benzoic acid derivatives, we modulate surface charge density thereby intensifying the triboelectric field within the ML platform. Utilizing a range of derivatives with varying dipole moments establishes a direct relationship between dipole moment strength and triboelectric enhancement. Notably, introducing aminobenzoic acid (ABA) onto the surface of the aluminum oxide (AlOx) shell results in a significant increase in ML brightness. Our strategy to easily adjust the ML brightness has been applied to anti-counterfeiting applications. Our study not only reveals the correlation between surface triboelectric fields and ML performance but also provides the possibility for practical use of self-recoverable ML platforms in various application fields, including smart textiles, health monitoring systems, and wearable displays. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd