Skip to Content
MDPIMDPI

Advanced

InorganicsInorganics
PDF
  • Editorial
  • Open Access

4 June 2026

Advances in Luminescent Materials: From Fundamental Photophysics to Emerging Applications

Order Reprints
Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology & Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
Inorganics2026, 14(6), 154;https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics14060154
This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Application of Luminescent Materials, 2nd Edition
Version Notes
Luminescent materials have garnered widespread research interest due to their excellent photophysical properties, which have been extensively applied in diverse fields such as chemo-/biosensing, cellular imaging, cancer therapy, and optoelectronic devices [1,2,3,4,5]. These materials exist in various types, and their photophysical properties are highly dependent on synthesis methods, reaction temperatures, precursor composition, and other factors [6,7,8,9,10]. Therefore, understanding the structure-property relationship is crucial for the rational design of high-performance optical materials [11,12,13,14,15,16]. This understanding represents a current research hotspot and highlights the fundamental importance of optical materials research in enabling next-generation applications. This Special Issue focuses on a range of luminescent materials that are at the forefront of current research, including carbon dots (CDs), lanthanide phosphors, luminescent glass, and fluorescent dyes, and explores their photophysical properties while highlighting promising applications in thermometry, bioimaging, and sensing.
The development of advanced luminescent materials is closely tied to innovations in synthesis strategies, which critically determine their optical properties and practical utility. For instance, our group [17] has developed a room-temperature synthesis method for photoluminescent CDs via Schiff base crosslinking. This energy-efficient strategy avoids harsh conditions and specialized equipment, enabling a scalable and sustainable route to CDs as optical probes. The obtained CDs demonstrate excellent stability and enable ratiometric detection of doxorubicin through the inner filter effect, achieving a detection limit as low as 0.029 μM. In a related context, we have systematically reviewed recent advances in CDs for fluorescence sensing [18], detailing key mechanisms such as fluorescence resonance energy transfer, aggregation-induced emission, aggregation-caused quenching, electron transfer, and the inner filter effect, each illustrated with representative examples. In parallel, Riesen’s group [19] has employed a mechanochemical ball-milling method to synthesize nanocrystalline CaF2:Sm3+. This synthesis strategy directly influences the luminescent behavior: the as-prepared samples exhibit characteristic Sm3+ f-f luminescence, while subsequent X-ray irradiation generates Sm2+, accompanied by intense electric-dipole-allowed 4f55d (T1u) ⟶ 4f6 7F1 (T1g) emission at approximately 708 nm. Notably, prolonged ball milling reduces the efficiency of Sm2+ generation, possibly due to improved charge compensation or defect-induced non-radiative deactivation, underscoring how synthesis parameters (e.g., milling duration) can modulate defect chemistry and, consequently, photophysical performance.
The photophysical behavior of luminescent centers is strongly influenced by their local chemical environment, as illustrated by recent studies. Zhang’s group [20] has investigated the near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence of Bi-doped silica glasses and demonstrated that two distinct luminescent centers account for the broadband NIR emission: isolated Bi+ ions (emitting at 1148 nm) and Bi clusters (aggregates of Bi+ ions, emitting at 1430 nm). Their results further show that co-doping with Al or Ge effectively suppresses cluster formation, providing a rational strategy for tuning the fluorescence properties. The interplay between structure and luminescence is further explored by Bozorov’s group [21], who have examined the optical absorption and luminescence spectra of terbium gallium garnet (TbGaG) and terbium aluminum garnet (TbAlG). Their detailed spectroscopic analysis reveals significant Zeeman shifts and spectral anisotropy dependent on both crystal lattice orientation and external magnetic field. This work highlights the considerable potential of rare-earth garnets in optics and magneto-optics, positioning them as promising materials for future technological applications. Furthermore, Ma’s group [22] has synthesized a C3N4/Bi2S3 nanocomposite to study exciton generation and separation. The nanocomposite exhibits photocurrent switching behavior across a broad spectral range. Even at zero bias, a strong photoelectric signal is detected due to a built-in electric field at the heterojunction interface, which accelerates exciton separation and free carrier extraction. The study provides insights into competing photophysical processes (fluorescence, photoelectric effect, scattering) and their modulation through defect engineering.
The development of materials with advanced optical properties often drives progress in cutting-edge applications. In this context, Larionova’s group [23] has developed a luminescent thermometry approach based on tris-acetylacetonate lanthanide complexes. The Eu3+ complex exhibits excellent lifetime-based thermometric performance, achieving a maximum relative sensitivity of 2.9% K−1 and a temperature uncertainty as low as 0.02 K. Meanwhile, the Yb3+ complex operates in the NIR region, with a maximum relative sensitivity of 0.5% K−1. These complexes are further incorporated into the silica shell of Prussian blue core–shell nanoparticles. Among the resulting hybrids, PB@SiO2-acac/(1Tb/1Eu) retains good thermometric performance (Srmax = 0.9% K−1, δT = 0.21 K), demonstrating great potential for multifunctional nanothermometers. Separately, Abebe’s group [24] has synthesized a rhodamine 6G-based Schiff base chemosensor (RdN) via microwave irradiation. This probe selectively detects Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions in CH3CN/H2O solution through a spirolactam ring-opening mechanism, resulting in a distinct color change and turn-on fluorescence. The detection limits are determined to be 0.112 μM for Pb2+ and 0.130 μM for Cu2+. The sensor exhibits excellent performance in environmental water samples, with recovery rates ranging from 99.5% to 100.7%. Moreover, RdN shows low cytotoxicity and has been successfully used for imaging Pb2+ and Cu2+ in living cells, highlighting its potential for biomedical and environmental monitoring applications.
Therefore, the articles collected in this Special Issue highlight the most pressing issues in the field of luminescent materials, including the development of advanced synthesis technologies, the construction of novel luminescent materials, and the regulation of photophysical properties.

Conflicts of Interest

The author declares no conflicts of interest.

References

  1. Tian, X.; Liu, T.; Zhu, M.; Peng, J.; Cui, J.; Feng, L.; Huo, X.; Yuan, J.; Ma, X. Endoplasmic reticulum-targeting near-infrared fluorescent probe for CYP2J2 activity and its imaging application in endoplasmic reticulum stress and tumor. Anal. Chem. 2022, 94, 9572–9577. [Google Scholar]
  2. Lyu, C.; Zhao, C.; Wang, M.; Li, J.; Cai, Z.; Dou, X.; Zu, B. Exactly restricting the phenyl ring rotation in metal-organic framework for ultra-sensitive and specific ratiometric fluorescent sensing of sarin. Aggregate 2025, 6, e70053. [Google Scholar]
  3. Yang, W.-C.; Li, S.-Y.; Ni, S.; Liu, G. Advances in FRET-based biosensors from donor-acceptor design to applications. Aggregate 2024, 5, e460. [Google Scholar]
  4. Bai, Q.; Yang, C.; Yang, M.; Pei, Z.; Zhou, X.; Liu, J.; Ji, H.; Li, G.; Wu, M.; Qin, Y.; et al. pH-Dominated selective imaging of lipid droplets and mitochondria via a polarity-reversible ratiometric fluorescent probe. Anal. Chem. 2022, 94, 2901–2911. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Liang, L.Y.; Chen, B.B.; Gao, Y.T.; Lv, J.; Liu, M.L.; Li, D.W. Aqueous solution enhanced room temperature phosphorescence through coordination-induced structural rigidity. Adv. Mater. 2024, 36, 2308180. [Google Scholar]
  6. Chen, C.; Hang, Y.; Wang, H.S.; Wang, Y.; Wang, X.; Jiang, C.; Feng, Y.; Liu, C.; Janzen, E.; Edgar, J.H.; et al. Water-induced bandgap engineering in nanoribbons of hexagonal boron nitride. Adv. Mater. 2023, 35, 2303198. [Google Scholar]
  7. Fu, Q.; Tu, K.; Goldhahn, C.; Keplinger, T.; Adobes-Vidal, M.; Sorieul, M.; Burgert, I. Luminescent and hydrophobic wood films as optical lighting materials. ACS Nano 2020, 14, 13775–13783. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Zhang, G.; Wang, D.; Lou, B.; Ma, C.-G.; Meijerink, A.; Wang, Y. Efficient broadband near-infrared emission from lead-free halide double perovskite single crystal. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61, e202207454. [Google Scholar]
  9. Li, X.; Lu, Z.; Wang, T. Self-assembly of semiconductor nanoparticles toward emergent behaviors on fluorescence. Nano Res. 2021, 14, 1233–1243. [Google Scholar]
  10. Wei, Q.; Chang, T.; Zeng, R.; Cao, S.; Zhao, J.; Han, X.; Wang, L.; Zou, B. Self-trapped exciton emission in a zero-dimensional (TMA)2SbCl5·DMF single crystal and molecular dynamics simulation of structural stability. J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2021, 12, 7091–7099. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  11. Allard, C.; Schué, L.; Fossard, F.; Recher, G.; Nascimento, R.; Flahaut, E.; Loiseau, A.; Desjardins, P.; Martel, R.; Gaufrès, E. Confinement of dyes inside boron nitride nanotubes: Photostable and shifted fluorescence down to the near infrared. Adv. Mater. 2020, 32, 2001429. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  12. Liu, M.; Chen, L.; Zhao, Z.; Liu, M.; Zhao, T.; Ma, Y.; Zhou, Q.; Ibrahim, Y.S.; Elzatahry, A.A.; Li, X.; et al. Enzyme-based mesoporous nanomotors with near-infrared optical brakes. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 3892–3901. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  13. Li, Z.; Wang, H.; Su, Z.; Kang, R.; Seto, T.; Wang, Y. Enhanced quantum efficiency via co-substitution in red-emitting phosphor Sr2[MgAl5N7] : Eu2+ for advanced spectroscopic applications including laser displays with ultra-high luminescence saturation threshold. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2025, 64, e202419910. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  14. Cheng, C.; Li, S.; Thomas, A.; Kotov, N.A.; Haag, R. Functional graphene nanomaterials based architectures: Biointeractions, fabrications, and emerging biological applications. Chem. Rev. 2017, 117, 1826–1914. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Guo, L.; Yan, L.; He, Y.; Feng, W.; Zhao, Y.; Tang, B.Z.; Yan, H. Hyperbranched polyborate: A non-conjugated fluorescent polymer with unanticipated high quantum yield and multicolor emission. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61, e202204383. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  16. Behera, S.K.; Park, S.Y.; Gierschner, J. Dual emission: Classes, mechanisms, and conditions. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60, 22624–22638. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  17. Shi, J.; Chang, S.; Gao, Y.; Lv, J.; Qian, R.; Chen, B.; Li, D. Large-scale synthesis of carbon dots driven by Schiff base reaction at room temperature. Inorganics 2024, 12, 310. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Lou, X.-T.; Zhan, L.; Chen, B.-B. Recent progress of carbon dots in fluorescence sensing. Inorganics 2025, 13, 256. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Rozaila, Z.S.; Riesen, N.; Riesen, H. Photoluminescence properties of X-ray generated divalent Sm in mechanochemically prepared nanocrystalline CaF2:Sm3+. Inorganics 2024, 12, 332. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Zheng, Q.; Zeng, G.; Liao, C.; Huang, H.; You, W.; Ye, X.; Zhang, L. Investigations on the NIR fluorescence band modulation of Bi-doped silica-based glasses and fibers. Inorganics 2025, 13, 153. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Bozorov, N.S.; Kokanbayev, I.M.; Madaliev, A.M.; Kuchkarov, M.X.; Meliboev, M.; Kurbonaliev, K.K.; Sultonov, R.R.; Makhmudov, K.F.; Dadaboyeva, F.O.; Mamadalieva, N.Z.; et al. Optical absorption and luminescence spectra of terbium gallium garnet TbGaG and terbium aluminum garnet TbAlG. Inorganics 2025, 13, 61. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Ma, X.; Zhang, X.; Gao, M.; Hu, R.; Wang, Y.; Li, G. The interface interaction of C3N4/Bi2S3 promoted the separation of excitons and the extraction of free photogenerated carriers in the broadband light spectrum range. Inorganics 2025, 13, 122. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  23. Larquey, A.; Félix, G.; Sene, S.; Larionova, J.; Guari, Y. Lanthanide tris-acetylacetonate complexes for luminescent thermometry: From isolated compounds to hybrid Prussian blue core-silica shell nanoparticles. Inorganics 2025, 13, 304. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Aduroja, O.; Shaw, R.; Uota, S.; Abiye, I.; Wachira, J.; Abebe, F. A novel fluorescent chemosensor based on rhodamine Schiff base: Synthesis, photophysical, computational and bioimaging application in live cells. Inorganics 2025, 13, 5. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Article Metrics

Citations

Article Access Statistics

Journal Statistics
Multiple requests from the same IP address are counted as one view.
Advances in Nanoparticle-Based Fabrication Techniques for Infrared Detectors: A Comprehensive Review
Previous