Simultaneous dual-channel blue/green emission from electro-mechanically powered elastomeric zinc sulphide composite

Abstract Mechanoluminescent (ML) materials, which luminesce in response to mechanical stimuli, are attractive candidates in developing energy-sustainable technology and are widely used in sensors, ubiquitous light sources, and displays. Metal-doped zinc sulphide (ZnS) is considered a promising ML material because it produces intense and lasting luminescence under repeated mechanical stresses. Previous studies of ZnS luminescence have focused on single-channel emission by electroluminescence (EL) or ML generated by applied electric fields or mechanical stresses, respectively. Here, we report the simultaneous generation of EL and ML from an elastomeric ZnS composite embedded with silver nanowires and demonstrate the independent control of both EL and ML responses. We describe the tuning of the strength and color of the EL/ML emissions from a single ZnS-based structure by applying combinations of electrical and mechanical excitation forces. We also demonstrate a multi-color-patterned EL/ML emitting display using the ZnS-based composite; this application may provide a basis for the development of new optomechanical displays.