Recent advances in multimodal mechanoluminescent sensors enabled by nanostructure design†

Multiple modes of perception have evolved in creatures to help them survive in a highly complex world under different harsh environments. Inspired by this, multimodal sensing materials have been created as one of the most crucial elements to bridge artificial intelligence with reality. The well-organized integration of multiple independent stimuli in a single material rather than simple integration, is expected to increase the accuracy and multifunctional applications of sensing devices. However, achieving multifunction coupling through elaborate nanostructure and supramolecular design, still remains a challenge that attracts great attention. Under the framework of nanostructural design for a multimodal response, the coupling of mechanoluminescence ability and advanced stimulus-response, has been reported to realize comprehensive perception and multifunctional applications for more complex scenarios. Herein, this mini review briefly provides an overview on the latest advances of multimodal mechanoluminescent sensors, concentrating on the nanostructure design strategy for multifunctional coupling, including triboelectric compositing, supramolecular interfacial connection, and band structure modulation; as well as emphatically discussing the advantages of mechanoluminescence coupling with self-powered sensing, piezoresistive response, temperature/chemical detection, and the corresponding advanced tools for heterogeneous output decoupling. Finally, the conclusions and outlook of multimodal mechanoluminescent sensors are presented.