Mechanoluminescence of coordination compounds

Abstract

Mechanoluminescence (ML) involves all luminescence phenomena induced by mechanical action on solids. In this case, a wide varieties of mechanical stimuli, such as compressing, stretching, static loading (pressure-step), pressure pulse, cleaving, rubbing, and grinding, might induce the excitation of solids, yielding luminescence phenomena. The present chapter discusses on mechanoluminescent properties of transition metal and lanthanide coordination compounds. The principal aim of this chapter is to describe the recent facts about the mechanisms of mechanoluminescence and their correlation with structural properties. It will be also presented a concise overview on the latest progress made on the current variety of ML coordination compounds or materials based on transition and lanthanide metals. The recent studies in this area may lead to the development of ML materials for smart optical sensors for real-time damage detections, monitoring civil and military structures, luminescent probes for biological applications, and lightning systems.