Intrinsic oxygen vacancies mediated multi-mechano-responsive piezoluminescence in undoped zinc calcium oxysulfide

Piezoluminescence has achieved enormous advancement in the field of stress sensors, and mechano-driven lightings and displays; however the existing piezoluminescent materials universally need the external dopants of lanthanide or transition metal ions to create efficient luminescence. Herein, we report a bright piezoluminescence in undoped piezoelectric semiconductor CaZnOS, which is multi-mechano-sensitive to ultrasonic vibration, friction, impact and compression. Our experimental and density functional theory computational investigations indicate that the intrinsic oxygen vacancies of VO2+, VO+ and VO0 act as luminescent centers and trap states in multi-colored components of luminescence. In addition to saving resources and protecting environment, our research is expected to open a door for design and development of self-piezoluminescent materials, thereby largely expanding our understanding of piezoluminescent mechanism and promoting further utilization of piezoluminescence.