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A new series of red phosphors based on Eu(3+)-doped yttrium cerate [Y1.9Ce2O7:0.1Eu(3+), Y2Ce1.9O7:0.1Eu(3+) and Y2Ce2-xO7:xEu(3+) (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.50)] was prepared via a conventional solid-state method. The influence of the substitution of Eu(3+) at the aliovalent site on the photoluminescent properties was determined by powder X-ray diffraction, FT Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and lifetime measurements. The substitution of Eu(3+) at the Ce(4+) site induces a structural transition from a defect fluorite to a C-type structure, which increases the oxygen vacancy ordering and the distortion of the Eu(3+) environment, and decreases the formation of Ce(3+) states. In contrast, phosphors with isovalent substitution at the Y(3+) site exhibit the biphasic nature of defect fluorite and a C-type structure, thereby increasing the number of Ce(3+) oxidation states. These modifications resulted in remarkable changes in the photoluminescent properties of Y2Ce1.9O7:0.1Eu(3+) red phosphors, with emission intensities 3.8 times greater than those of the Ce0.9O2:0.1Eu(3+) and Y1.9Ce2O7:0.1Eu(3+). The photoluminescent properties of Y2Ce2-xO7:xEu(3+) were studied at different Eu(3+) concentrations under excitation with blue light. These phosphors emit intense red light due to the (5)D0-(7)F2 transition under excitation at 466 nm and no concentration quenching is observed with up to 50 mol% Eu(3+). They show increased lifetimes in the range 0.62-0.72 ms at Eu(3+) concentrations. The cation ordering linked to the oxygen vacancy ordering led to the uniform distribution of Eu(3+) ions in the lattice, thus allowing higher doping concentrations without quenching and consequently increasing the lifetime of the (5)D0 states. Our results demonstrate that significant improvements in the photoluminescence properties can be achieved by the structural alteration of a fluorite CeO2 to a C-type lattice.

New yellow inorganic pigments, (BiV)1−x(YNb)xO4 with high NIR reflectance were synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction method. The effect of isovalent dopants, namely, Y3+ and Nb5+ on BiVO4 samples was characterized using powder X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, UV–vis–NIR diffuse reflectance spectrometer, and CIE 1976 L*a*b* color scales. The prepared pigments exhibit brilliant yellow colors with significant enhancement of NIR reflectance to 90.8% when compared to undoped BiVO4 at the 1100 nm range. Further, the solid solutions allow fine tuning of the band gap displaying various yellow colors. The lattice distortion and reduction in particle size are responsible for the enhancement of the pigment characteristics. The above results indicate that these yellow pigments have potential to be used as cool colorants for roofs and automotives as energy-saving coatings.

Novel yellow inorganic pigments Sr2Ce1−xTbxO4 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0) were synthesized by the conventional solid-state route. The structure and morphology of the developed pigments were characterized using powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. A UV–vis–NIR spectrophotometer was employed to investigate the optical properties, and the color characteristics were evaluated by CIE 1976 L*a*b* color scales. The Tb substitution extends the absorption edge to longer wavelengths by introducing an additional electronic level between the valence and conduction bands. Consequently, the prepared pigments exhibit various yellow colors by fine tuning of the band gap from 3.03 (white) to 2.52 eV (reddish-greenish yellow). Doping of Tb into Sr2CeO4 enhances the NIR reflectance at 1100 nm from 87% to 91%. The coloring performance of the synthesized pigments was investigated in the polymer matrix for plastic coloring applications. The exhibition of high NIR reflectance with comparable color properties of these pigments makes them potential candidates as cool colorants to reduce the heat build-up.

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Multifunctional materials are developed in BiV1-xNbxO4 solid solutions via structural variations. A citrate gel route has been employed to synthesize these materials followed by calcination at various temperatures leading to fine particles. The effects of niobium doping over the structural variation and its influence on the optical properties are assessed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. These solid solutions exhibit superior coloristic properties which are comparable to commercially available yellow pigments. These materials also show remarkable reflectance in the NIR region which makes them potential candidates for cool roof applications. A notable methylene blue dye degradation property is observed in Nb(5+) doped BiVO4 under sunlight irradiation.