Probing structural variation and multifunctionality in niobium doped bismuth vanadate materialsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4dt01788a

Multifunctional materials are developed in BiV 1− x Nb x O 4 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 BiVO 4 under sunlight irradiation. Multifunctional materials in BiV 1− x Nb x O 4 solid solutions display high NIR reflecting brilliant yellow hues with notable MB dye degradation under sunlight.