Recent advances in boron-based room-temperature phosphorescence materials: design strategies, mechanisms, and applications

Abstract

Boron-based room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials have garnered considerable attention due to their unique photophysical properties and diverse application potential. Nevertheless, systematic discussion on the design strategies, excited state control mechanisms, and practical applications of such molecules remains scarce. This review systematically analyzes the structure–property relationships in boron-based RTP materials, focusing on the influence of key structural factors such as their coordination modes, the number and position of substituents, and the design of host–guest systems. These factors enable precise control over the phosphorescence lifetime and the emission wavelength of the materials. Boron-based RTP materials demonstrate promising applications particularly in anti-counterfeiting, light-emitting displays, and biological imaging. Moreover, this review outlines future research directions and challenges, offering a theoretical foundation for the development of novel RTP materials.