Synthesis and characterization of highly triboluminescent doped europium tetrakis compounds

► Doped europium dibenzoylmethide triethylammonium (EuD4TEA) was synthesized. ► Effects of dopants was studied from EuD4TEA during low velocity (<10 m/s) impacts. ► The triboluminescent light yield, decay time, and synthesis time were measured. ► A specially-built drop tower was developed to measure triboluminescence from impacts.