Magnetic properties and enhanced magnetic refrigeration in (Mn1-xFex)5Ge3 compounds.

Authors :: Zhang, Q.
Du, J.
Li, Y. B.
Sun, N. K.
Cui, W. B.
Li, D.
Zhang, Z. D.
Source :: Journal of Applied Physics; 6/15/2007, Vol. 101 Issue 12, p123911, 5p, 1 Diagram, 1 Chart, 4 Graphs
Publication Year :: 2007
Abstract: Magnetic and magnetocaloric effects of (Mn<subscript>1-x</subscript>Fe<subscript>x</subscript>)<subscript>5</subscript>Ge<subscript>3</subscript> compounds are studied systematically. The maximum of magnetic entropy changes of 8.01 J/kg K under an external field change of 5 T is obtained for (Mn<subscript>0.9</subscript>Fe<subscript>0.1</subscript>)<subscript>5</subscript>Ge<subscript>3</subscript>, which is the largest value in Mn<subscript>5</subscript>Ge<subscript>3</subscript>-based solid solutions. Moreover, the Fe substitution increases the refrigeration capacity (RC) value greatly. The largest RC value of 237 J/kg in (Mn<subscript>0.8</subscript>Fe<subscript>0.2</subscript>)<subscript>5</subscript>Ge<subscript>3</subscript> even compares favorably to that of many well-known magnetic refrigeration materials. Thus the Fe-containing (Mn<subscript>1-x</subscript>Fe<subscript>x</subscript>)<subscript>5</subscript>Ge<subscript>3</subscript> compounds are much-improved magnetic refrigerants for the application of room-temperature magnetic refrigeration. The increase of the RC value is probably resulted from the formation of magnetic nanostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjects :: ADIABATIC demagnetization
ENTROPY
NANOSTRUCTURES
MAGNETIC properties
STOICHIOMETRY
ANNEALING of metals
SUPERCONDUCTING quantum interference devices
MAGNETIC fields

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