Enhanced Near Infrared Reflectance with Brilliant Yellow Hues in Scheelite Type Solid Solutions, (LiLaZn)1/3MoO4−BiVO4 for Energy Saving Products

Abstract

Enhanced near infrared (NIR) solar reflectance with interesting yellow hues in a new series of scheelite type solid solutions, [(LiLaZn)x/3Bi1−x][MoxV1−x]O4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) were synthesized via conventional solid state reaction (SSR) method and planetary ball milling assisted solid state reaction (PBM) method. The structural, morphology, and reflectance (absorption) properties and coloring performance of the prepared compositions were analyzed by various advanced techniques. The solid solutions undergo a phase transformation from a monoclinic to a tetragonal phase. The compounds exhibit strong absorption in the UV and blue regions of the visible spectrum displaying high NIR reflecting intense yellow shades ranging from reddish to greenish. The yellow hue and NIR reflectance is enhanced by the morphological modifications through PBM method. Typically, the pigment [(LiLaZn)0.099Bi0.7][Mo0.3V0.7]O4 displayed intense yellow color (b* = 86.63) with NIR reflectance of 95% much better values than the commercial sicopal yellow. The applicability studies of these pigments on concrete cement block and metal sheet imparts good coloring performance with high NIR solar reflectance. Chemical and light resistance tests indicate their durability in the extreme weathering conditions. Thus, the prepared compositions consisting of less toxic elements demonstrate sustainable use of the present pigments in exterior surface coating applications as energy saving products.