In this work, an environmentally friendly and novel oxide-based mechanoluminescent material, Sr3Al2O6: Eu3+, which can serve as
the alternative for the widely used but environmentally hazardous
transition metal–doped sulfides is reported. This oxide could
exhibit highly efficient photoluminescence, but even more efficient
mechanoluminescence as embedded into polydimethylsiloxane matrix
under mechanical stimulation. The emitting color of the resultant
Sr3Al2O6: Eu3+/polydimethylsiloxane elastomer composites could be
further manipulated by adjusting the synthesis atmosphere of the
Sr3Al2O6: Eu3+ based on its unique self-reduction characteristic. Moreover, by combining the wavelength selectivity of photoluminescence and dynamic stress response of mechanoluminescence, Sr3Al2O6: Eu3+
enables the design of two types of intriguing devices. They are a dual responsive anticounterfeiting flexible device activated by either photonsor mechanics, and a comprehensive stretching/strain sensor capable of sensing both strain level and stretching states. In comparison to the conventional luminescent materials, with a rare combination of efficient
photoluminescence, highly sensitive mechanoluminescence, and facile
color tunability, Sr3Al2O6: Eu3+ is much more versatile and ideal for
various advanced applications.