Abstract In this paper, we report a phosphorescent Ir(III) emitter of Ir(acac)(F-BT)2, where acac=acetylacetonate and F-BT=2-(2-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]thiazole, including its crystal structure, electronic nature, photophysical characteristics, thermal, and electrochemical properties. Data suggest that Ir(acac)(F-BT)2 is a promising emitter with high quantum yield of 0.61 and good thermal stability, along with its proper energy levels for charge carrier transportation. Multiple quantum well (MQW) structured OLEDs using Ir(acac)(F-BT)2 as emitter are also fabricated, and their electroluminescence (EL) are investigated in detail. The optimal EL device with 4,4′-N,N′-dicarbazole-biphenyl as potential well layer shows a maximum luminance of 85,500 cd/cm2 and a peak current efficiency of 31.5 cd/A, and the efficiency roll-off is efficiently reduced.