Triboluminescence: Recalling Interest and New Aspects

In this review, we survey the progress of triboluminescent compounds, which exhibit attractive emissions upon mechanical stimuli without the need for other stimulation or irritation. In particular, we present the research history, observed phenomena, proposed possible mechanisms, different types of triboluminescent compounds, and potential applications in an attempt to find the inherent clues hidden in the scattered literature. Accordingly, we provide some outlooks at the end of the paper for further exploration in this field.