A metal complex having a structural formula as follows, wherein, the metal atom M is selected from the group consisting of iridium (Ir), platinum (Pt), osmium (Os), rhenium (Re), ruthenium (Ru) and copper (Cu); R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of —F, —CF3, —CH3 and substituted phenyl; in the (C^N) substructure located on a left side of the metal atom M in the structural formula (I), C is located in a first aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, and N is located in a second heteroaromatic ring. The metal complex can be used in luminescent material of display devices.