Article: Phase dependent mechanoluminescence in ZnS:Mn: from zinc blende to wurtzite Journal: International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties (IJMMP) 2025 Vol.18 No.4 pp.264 - 280 Abstract: Mechanoluminescence (ML), the phenomenon of light emission under mechanical stress, has emerged as a promising pathway for developing stress sensors, structural health monitors, and self-powered devices. Among ML materials, manganese-doped zinc sulphide (ZnS:Mn) has gained particular attention due to its bright and reproducible luminescence. A critical factor governing its ML performance is the crystal phase transition between zinc blende (ZB) and wurtzite (WZ). The centrosymmetric ZB phase exhibits weaker piezoelectric effects, with luminescence largely driven by defect-mediated mechanisms, whereas the non-centrosymmetric WZ phase generates strong piezoelectric fields that facilitate efficient charge detrapping and recombination at Mn<SUP align="right"><SMALL>2+</SMALL></SUP> centres. This review highlights how phase transformation, defect distributions, and dopant interactions collectively modulate the luminescence efficiency of ZnS:Mn. We discuss experimental evidence of ZB-WZ transition at bulk and nanoscale, its correlation with defect chemistry, and its impact on luminescence reproducibility. Recent advances in controlled synthesis, co-doping strategies, and pressure/temperature-induced phase modulation are also reviewed. By establishing a clear structure phase luminescence relationship, this work underscores the importance of phase engineering in designing ZnS:Mn-based materials for next-generation mechano optical applications. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Phase dependent mechanoluminescence in ZnS:Mn: from zinc blende to wurtzite

Authors: Usha Shukla

Addresses: Department of Physics, Amity School of Applied Sciences, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, India

Abstract: Mechanoluminescence (ML), the phenomenon of light emission under mechanical stress, has emerged as a promising pathway for developing stress sensors, structural health monitors, and self-powered devices. Among ML materials, manganese-doped zinc sulphide (ZnS:Mn) has gained particular attention due to its bright and reproducible luminescence. A critical factor governing its ML performance is the crystal phase transition between zinc blende (ZB) and wurtzite (WZ). The centrosymmetric ZB phase exhibits weaker piezoelectric effects, with luminescence largely driven by defect-mediated mechanisms, whereas the non-centrosymmetric WZ phase generates strong piezoelectric fields that facilitate efficient charge detrapping and recombination at Mn²⁺ centres. This review highlights how phase transformation, defect distributions, and dopant interactions collectively modulate the luminescence efficiency of ZnS:Mn. We discuss experimental evidence of ZB-WZ transition at bulk and nanoscale, its correlation with defect chemistry, and its impact on luminescence reproducibility. Recent advances in controlled synthesis, co-doping strategies, and pressure/temperature-induced phase modulation are also reviewed. By establishing a clear structure phase luminescence relationship, this work underscores the importance of phase engineering in designing ZnS:Mn-based materials for next-generation mechano optical applications.

Keywords: mechanoluminescence; ML; ZnS:Mn; phase transition; piezoelectric effect; defect engineering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2025.155473

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2025 Vol.18 No.4, pp.264 - 280

Received: 24 Sep 2025
Accepted: 06 May 2026
Published online: 03 Aug 2026 *

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Title: Phase dependent mechanoluminescence in ZnS:Mn: from zinc blende to wurtzite

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