A solid-state route was used to prepare sodium titanium oxide (NTO, Na₂Ti₃O₇) as a solar heat protecting material with an impressive solar reflectance (TSR = 94.3%) using a high refractive index rutile TiO₂. The solar reflectance of the synthesized NTO was measured using UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. Solar reflectance property of the synthesized compound depends on the calcination temperature. The solar reflectance property of the synthesized NTO powder was compared with commercial rutile TiO₂. The compound synthesized at 900 ℃ for 24 hrs had remarkable solar reflectance 94.3% than that calcined below 900 ℃. Crystalline nature, structural property, morphology and optical properties of NTO powders were characterized and analyzed using XRD, FE-SEM, EDS and UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. From the results, we guessed that NTO would be a suitable “solar heat protecting candidate” for energy-saving applications in coating industries.

Keywords: Sodium titanate, Solid-state reaction, Titanium dioxide, Urban heat island effect, Solar heat reflectance, Cool roof material