https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/56885 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 07:03:51 GMT 2026-10-27T07:03:51Z https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/61005 Title: Motion-Driven Self-Visualizing Soft Robots Enabled by Mechanoluminescent Tubular Fibers Author(s): Lee, Minseok; Song, Seongkyu; Jeong, Soon Moon Abstract: Motion-responsive optical sensing that directly visualizes deformation without external electronics is highly desirable yet remains difficult to implement in pneumatic soft robotic systems. In particular, integrating wired or battery-powered sensors into soft robots composed of low-modulus elastomers is challenging due to the mechanical mismatch between conventional sensors and highly compliant actuators. Here, we present a compliance-matched tubular mechanoluminescent (ML) fiber that enables battery-free visualization of pneumatic soft robot motion through deformation-induced light emission. The ML fiber is fabricated by encapsulating a self-recoverable ZnS:Cu-PDMS composite within an elastic silicone tube, forming a mechanically adaptive architecture that preserves large stretchability while maintaining stable ML responses under repeated deformation. Owing to the intrinsic compliance of the tubular structure, the fiber sustains tensile strains exceeding 200%. When integrated into a pneumatically driven soft robot in a woven network architecture, the ML fibers generate deformation-associated light emission from regions undergoing actuation, enabling qualitative visual monitoring of robotic motion without wiring, signal-processing circuits, or external power sources for sensing. This compliance-engineered ML fiber architecture provides a scalable strategy for embedding self-powered optical sensing into highly deformable soft systems and offers a versatile platform for self-visualizing soft robotics, wearable motion monitoring, and artificial skin interfaces. Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/61005 2026-08-31T15:00:00Z https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/59237 Title: Mechanoluminescence: Mechanisms, emerging applications, and future prospects Author(s): Hajra, Sugato; Kaja, Kushal Ruthvik; Panda, Swati; Song, Seongkyu; Jeong, Soon Moon; Mishra, Yogendra Kumar; Oh, Tae Hwan; Das, Gobind; Divya, S.; Kim, Hoe Joon Abstract: Mechanoluminescent (ML) materials have gained significant attention in recent years due to their promising applications in force sensing, biomedical diagnostics, structural health monitoring, anti-counterfeiting, lighting, and intelligent artificial skin. These materials are capable of emitting visible light in response to mechanical stimuli such as pressure, tension, or friction, making them ideal candidates for advanced sensing technologies. Their advantages include rapid response time, high durability, and excellent repeatability. This review explores the fundamental mechanisms behind ML emission, including trap-controlled processes, piezoelectric effects, triboelectric phenomena, and molecular packing structures. In addition, recent strategies to enhance ML performance, such as extending afterglow duration, adjusting emission color, increasing luminescence intensity, improving sensitivity, and enabling self-recovery, are discussed. The paper also addresses the development of near-infrared ML materials for expanded applications. Finally, it evaluates the future potential of ML materials in smart systems and outlines key challenges that need to be addressed for their widespread adoption. Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:00:00 GMT https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/59237 2025-11-30T15:00:00Z https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/59230 Title: Mechanoluminescent-energy harvesting bimodal sensors for self-powered communication sensors Author(s): Hajra, Sugato; Panda, Swati; Kaja, Kushal Ruthvik; Song, Seongkyu; Ryu, Yeonkyeong; Panigrahi, Basanta Kumar; Vittayakorn, Naratip; Lee, Ju-Hyuck; Jeong, Soon Moon; Kim, Hoe Joon Abstract: Mechanoluminescence (ML) is the emission of light triggered by mechanical stress. In the meantime, accurate, quantitative force measurement is made possible by piezoelectricity, which transforms mechanical deformation into electrical signals. A deep insight into the mechanical interactions, such as strain-based phenomena, is achieved by integrating ML and piezoelectricity into a single device. In this study, a composite based on ZnS:Cu-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is developed to achieve this dual functionality for ML-based optical responses and piezoelectric-based electrical output. The presence of piezoelectricity in PDMS-ZnS:Cu composites was traced using piezo force microscopy (PFM) imaging. Various mechanical stimuli of pressing, stretching, and bending are applied to evaluate the performance of the device. Under a force of 5 N, the piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) device generates a voltage of 17 V and a current of 70 nA. Additionally, ML and PENG effects are employed for underwater communications. A signal processing technique is further utilized for the classification of voltage signals produced during underwater communications. This self-powered dual-mode sensor has great potential for use in energy harvesting, wearable technology, and battery-free systems, opening the door to more intelligent and responsive user interfaces. Sun, 31 Aug 2025 15:00:00 GMT https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/59230 2025-08-31T15:00:00Z https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/58141 Title: Super elastic and negative triboelectric polymer matrix for high performance mechanoluminescent platforms Author(s): Jeong, Hong In; Jung, Hye Sung; Dubajic, Milos; Kim, Gunpyo; Jeong, Woo Hyeon; Song, Hochan; Lee, Yongju; Biswas, Swarup; Kim, Hyeok; Lee, Bo Ram; Yoon, Jae Woong; Stranks, Samuel D.; Jeong, Soon Moon; Lee, Jihoon; Choi, Hyosung Abstract: Mechanoluminescence platforms, combining phosphors with elastic polymer matrix, have emerged in smart wearable technology due to their superior elasticity and mechanically driven luminescent properties. However, their luminescence performance often deteriorates under extreme elastic conditions owing to a misinterpretation of polymer matrix behavior. Here, we unveil the role of the polymer matrices in mechanoluminescence through an interface-triboelectric effect driven by elasticity, achieving both high elasticity and brightness. By investigating interactions between elastic polymers and copper doped zinc sulfide microparticles, we reveal that elasticity significantly governed triboelectric effects for mechanoluminescence. In particular, high negative triboelectricity emerged as the key to overcoming poor triboelectric effect in extreme elastic conditions. This led to the discovery of polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate silane and polycarbonate silane, achieving remarkable elasticity over 100% and a brightness of 139 cd/m2. These findings offer fundamental insights to select the optimal polymer matrix based on systematic parameters for various smart wearable applications. © 2025. The Author(s). Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:00:00 GMT https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/58141 2024-12-31T15:00:00Z