SHI Wei ^{1, 2}, HONG Yan ^{2, 3}, SU Xiaoli ^{2, 3}, ZENG Tao ^{1, 2, 4}, DONG Gang ^{2, 3}, LUO Ting ^{2, 3},

LIU Zhengyan ^{2 ,3}, LU Xilong ^{1, 2}, YU Yongzhi ^{1, 2}, CHEN Yunxia ^{1, 2}

(1. National Engineering Research Center for Domestic & Building Ceramics, Jingdezhen Ceramic University, Jingdezhen 333403, Jiangxi, China; 2. Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramic Materials, Jingdezhen Ceramic University, Jingdezhen 333403, Jiangxi, China; 3. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jingdezhen Ceramic University, Jingdezhen 333403, Jiangxi, China;

4. School of Energy Science and Engineering, Jingdezhen Ceramic University, Jingdezhen 333403, Jiangxi, China)

Extended abstract:

[Significance] The development of core-shell pearlescent pigments marks a shift from chemical coloration toward the deliberate control of structural color. Nanoscale cladding layers deposited on flake substrates produce dynamic chromaticity and luster via optical interference. These pigments combine low toxicity with exceptional weather resistance and high thermal stability. Beyond decorative applications, they have been applied to anti-counterfeiting, electromagnetic shielding and photocatalysis, evolving from "pure pigments" into a "versatile functional materials platform". This progress carries important scientific and engineering implications for high-end manufacturing and sustainable chemical industries.

[Progress] Recent years have seen significant advances in the structure, synthesis and application of core-shell pearlescent pigments. Designs have been progressed from single-layer coatings to multilayer composite architectures, in which controlled cladding thickness, composition and stacking sequence jointly optimize luster, color and functional traits, such as electrical conductivity and magnetism. In synthesis, liquid-phase deposition and precipitation remain dominant because of their maturity and controllability, while sol-gel and hydrothermal approaches have been adopted to improve coating uniformity, density and functionality. Applications have been expanded beyond conventional coatings, plastics and cosmetics into higher-value areas, including information security, electromagnetic-wave absorption, photocatalysis and advanced automotive finishes.

[Conclusions and prospects] Core-shell pearlescent pigments offer exceptional structural tunability, flexible performance modification and broad application potential, while liquid-phase syntheses approaches remain to be the dominant fabrication routes. However, several challenges persist, such as complicate fabrication protocols, lack of scalability for continuous production, scarce in high-value functional variants and no comprehensive assessment of long-term stability and interfacial compatibility. In future, it is necessary to emphasize the development of environmentally benign, controllable and scalable synthesis strategies, while pursuing novel functional coatings and interfacial engineering. These advances will permit precise coordination and optimization of optical, electromagnetic and thermal properties. As fundamental understanding is deepened, core-shell pearlescent pigments are poised to impact emerging areas, such as smart coatings, information security and energy and environmental technologies, becoming key contributors to advanced functional materials and interdisciplinary innovation.

Key words: pearlescent pigments; inorganic pigments; core-shell structure; coating; composite construction