Triphenylen-2-ol is primarily used in research and development within organic electronics and materials science. It serves as a building block for synthesizing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with extended π-conjugated systems, which are essential in the design of organic semiconductors. Its rigid, planar structure contributes to high charge carrier mobility, making it suitable for applications in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).

Due to its fluorescence and photostability, Triphenylen-2-ol is also explored in the development of luminescent sensors and imaging agents. It can be functionalized to improve solubility and compatibility with various matrices, enabling its use in thin-film technologies and optoelectronic devices. Additionally, its derivatives are investigated for potential applications in liquid crystals and supramolecular assemblies, where molecular shape and stacking behavior are critical.