An in-situ encapsulated ZnS_xSe_1-x@ZrSiO₄ composite as a cool pigment on ceramic tiles was synthesized via soft mechano-chemical (MC) pretreatment of ZrSiO₄ precursors, high-shear homogeneous dispersing and subsequent sintering. The properties of ZnS_xSe_1-x@ZrSiO₄ composite cool pigment and solar near-infrared (NIR) reflective ceramic tiles coated with the cool pigment were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-VIS-NIR) spectroscopy and infrared irradiation image analysis. The results show that compared to ceramic tiles uncoated (R^* = 60.07%), solar NIR reflective ceramic tiles coated with ZnS_xSe_1-x@ZrSiO₄ composite cool pigment have a higher solar reflectance (R^* = 87.61%), indicating that the ceramic tiles coated with the cool pigment have a superior NIR reflectivity. The surface temperature of ceramic tiles coated with ZnS_xSe_1-x@ZrSiO₄ composite is 7.2 ^oC lower than that of ceramic tile uncoated with the cool pigment. In addition, the energy saving of ceramic tiles coated the cool pigment can be achieved based on the energy simulation of solar NIR reflective ceramic tiles for ‘cool roof’ application in subtropical climate by a software named Design Builder 4.6.0.015

Keywords: Zircon in-situ encapsulated, ZnS_xSe_1-x cool pigment, Near-infrared reflectance, Solar NIR reflective ceramic tile, Energy savings, Emission reductions