Brilliant yellow color and enhanced NIR reflectance of monoclinic BiVO4 through distortion in VO43− tetrahedra

Bright yellow coloration and enhanced NIR reflectance of monoclinic bismuth vanadate are obtained by the substitution of Ta/P into the vanadium sites of BiVO4. Pentavalent metal ion substitution in bismuth vanadate blue shifted the absorption edge leading to bright yellow coloration and the color properties are comparable to that of commercially used praseodymium yellow. Lattice distortion and reduced crystallite size imposed by pentavalent metal ion substitution are responsible for the special optical properties. The synthesized pigments with improved yellow coloration exhibits good NIR reflectance making them potential candidate for cool colorants to reduce the heat build-up.

graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► New yellow pigments, BiV1−xMxO4 (M=Ta and P) with enhanced NIR reflectance have been prepared. ► Pentavalent metal ion substitution in bismuth vanadate exhibits brilliant yellow coloration. ► The lattice distortion and reduced crystallite size are ascribed to enhanced NIR reflectance. ► Coating studies of the pigments demonstrate their potential for cool colorants.