Brilliant IR reflecting yellow colorants are developed in rare earth double molybdate substituted BiVO 4 solid solutions. Li 0.10 RE 0.10 Bi 0.8 Mo 0.2 V 0.8 O 4 (RE = La, Pr, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Y, Yb and Lu) pigments are prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction route and their optical, structural and morphological properties are analyzed. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the tetragonal scheelite phase formation in the series. These pigments have a strong optical absorption in the UV-blue light wavelength region. CIE LAB color analysis shows that different hues of yellow shades are obtained in these solid solutions. The color characteristics are comparable to commercial BiVO 4 pigment. Incorporation of double rare earth molybdates of La, Gd, Tb, Y and Lu into BiVO 4 results in nontoxic IR reflecting cool pigments. The applicability of the developed pigment was tested on a concrete cement surface as well as on a metal panel. These pigments are composed of less toxic elements that make them favorable for energy saving surface coating formulations for buildings and automotives.The urban heat island effect emerging in metropolitan cities produces elevated urban air temperatures. Solar radiation consists of about 5% ultraviolet radiation, 46% visible radiation and 49% infrared radiation. A major contribution of heat comes from the IR radiation, which transfers heat to the underlying structure in buildings and automotives causing thermal discomfort and health problems. A substantial amount of energy is consumed to cool buildings, thus increasing energy demand. 1 Cool paints absorb less solar energy, which keeps the surface at a lower temperature and decreases energy transfer by radiation. Passive cooling of buildings helps reduction in air pollution due to low energy usage and power plant emissions. Therefore, current interest in the pigment industry is focused on developing nontoxic cool pigments that aid in energy savings. 2 Bright yellow shades are particularly challenging, with preferential reformulation away from cadmium pigments and lead chromates within the plastics and surface coating markets. 3 There is an urgent need for developing IR reflecting nontoxic yellows, which are limited in the current market.Recently, BiVO 4 has attracted wide attention for its photocatalytic, 4 ferroelastic, 5 dielectric, 6 ionic and electronic conductive properties, 7 which makes it attractive for use in gas sensors, 8 microwave resonator devices, 6 wastewater treatment 9 and water splitting. 9 BiVO 4 has been identified as an ideal candidate for pigmentary applications. 10 Recently, many researchers, including our group, have reported BiVO 4 based pigments such as (Bi, La)VO 4, 11 (Bi, Ca, Zn)VO 4, 12 (Bi, Ca, Zn, La)VO 4, , 13 Y and Nb doped BiVO 4 14 and SiO 2 coated BiVO 4. 15 So, development of nontoxic IR reflecting BiVO 4 based pigments can lead to cool surface coating formulations for buildings and automobile shells.Double alkali rare earth molybdates and tungstates of the type ARE(XO 4 ) 2 ; X = Mo, W 16 have a va...