Supramolecular Mechanoluminescence via Fluorine Interactions

W Weiguo Qiao K Kai Chang X Xinyu Yu (Future Battery Research Center, Global Institute of Future Technology) Z Zhenghe Zhao (Hubei Key Lab on Organic and Polymeric Opto‐Electronic Materials Department of Chemistry Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China) N Ningyuan Zhao (Hubei Key Lab on Organic and Polymeric Opto‐Electronic Materials Department of Chemistry Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China) B Bao Li (College of Materials Science and Engineering) Q Qianqian Li Z Zhong'an Li (Key Laboratory for Material Chemistry of Energy Conversion and Storage (Ministry of Education) Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) Wuhan 430074 China) Z Zhen Li

Abstract

Abstract Mechanoluminescent (ML) materials, capable of converting mechanical stimuli directly into light emission without external excitation, hold great potential for use in sustainable optoelectronics and wearable technologies. However, the development of organic ML systems has long been limited by the trade‐off among brightness, sensitivity, and mechanical durability. Here, we present a supramolecular assembly design that overcomes this trade‐off by leveraging directional fluorine interactions, i.e., well‐defined C─H···F─C hydrogen‐bonds and the rarely reported L ‐geometry C─F···F─C contacts. The resulting supramolecular network stabilizes favorable molecular packing against mechanical damage while preserving optimal crystallinity, leading to bright and durable ML emission even during continuous mechanical grinding. Systematic structure–property analysis has successfully revealed the key design criteria for high‐performance ML. We also establish a universal supramolecular platform that enables efficient Förster resonance energy transfer from the ML host to the ML‐inactive luminophores across the visible spectrum (green, yellow, and red). Furthermore, the fabricated prototype supramolecular ML stress sensors exhibit remarkable sensitivity, with naked‐eye‐detectable ML at an ultralow impact force of 0.05 N. This work has put forward that fluorine‐driven supramolecular assembly is a robust and versatile design strategy for advanced organic ML materials.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 65, Issue 5
Published January 28, 2026
ISSN 1433-7851
Publisher Wiley

Journal Info

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Wiley

ISSN: 1433-7851 Physical Sciences

Authors (9)

W

Weiguo Qiao

K

Kai Chang

X

Xinyu Yu

Future Battery Research Center, Global Institute of Future Technology

Z

Zhenghe Zhao

Hubei Key Lab on Organic and Polymeric Opto‐Electronic Materials Department of Chemistry Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China

N

Ningyuan Zhao

Hubei Key Lab on Organic and Polymeric Opto‐Electronic Materials Department of Chemistry Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China

B

Bao Li

College of Materials Science and Engineering

Q

Qianqian Li

Z

Zhong'an Li

Key Laboratory for Material Chemistry of Energy Conversion and Storage (Ministry of Education) Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) Wuhan 430074 China

Z

Zhen Li