Synthesis, Characterization, and Optical Properties of Near-Infrared Reflecting Composite Inorganic Pigments Composed of TiO2/CuO Core–Shell Particles

Abstract

Pigments with dark appearance and high solar energy reflectance are of great application value. In the present work, dark grey composite pigments with a TiO2/CuO core–shell structure were prepared through calcination of precursors obtained from the precipitation of Cu(OH)2 on TiO2 particles. The composition, structure, and optical properties of the synthesised powders were characterised by colourimetry, near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The pigments are composed of rutile TiO2 and tenorite CuO, and the powder colour changes from white to dark grey as the Cu content increases. With a molar ratio of CuO to TiO2 of 0.6, the pigment presents optimal colour (a* = 1.66, b* = −2.19, L* = 52.37) and optical performance. The near-infrared reflectance, the solar reflectance in the near-infrared region, and the total solar reflectance reach 87.2, 70.6, and 37.2 %, respectively. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the composite pigments exhibit a deeper colour and higher reflectivity than conventional dark-blended powders. These cool dark pigments could be applied in the coatings for buildings (roofs and walls) to improve building comfortability and reduce cooling energy consumption.