Recent progress in the mechanochromism of phosphorescent organic molecules and metal complexes

Organic and organometallic molecules, which change their luminescence properties through a mechanical stimulus, such as emission wavelength and quantum yield, are called as mechanochromic or piezochromic materials. These functional molecules may be used as smart materials in the field of luminescent switches, mechanosensors, security papers, data storage, biological and healthcare applications. These materials are classified into two types, fluorescent and phosphorescent molecules. In this review, the recent progress in the phosphorescent mechanochromic materials, including pure organic molecules and metal complexes is highlighted. Their luminescence behaviors under mechanical force stimuli are shown and some critical concepts of molecular design for mechanoresponsive phosphorescent materials are also presented. Phosphorescent mechanochromic materials may change their luminescence color and intensity with large spectral shifts under a mechanical force stimulus.