Achievement of reversible table-like magnetocaloric effect in MnCo1-Gd Ge alloys around room temperature

Abstract

• The table-like magnetocaloric effect in MnCo 1- x Gd x Ge alloys are achieved. • Two successive magnetic transitions appear in the MnCo 1- x Gd x Ge ( x = 0.04, 0.06). • The refrigerant capacity reach 282 J/kg in MnCo 0.94 Gd 0.06 Ge with Δ H = 50 kOe. • The relative cooling power reach 335 J/kg in MnCo 0.94 Gd 0.06 Ge with Δ H = 50 kOe. • The maximum temperature span are 128 K in MnCo 0.94 Gd 0.06 Ge with Δ H = 50 kOe. The structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in the Gd doped MnCo 1- x Gd x Ge alloys were investigated. With the increase of Gd content, the coexistence of Ni 2 In-type hexagonal structure and TiNiSi-type orthorhombic structure appear from the pure Ni 2 In-type hexagonal structure of MnCoGe. All samples undergo the second-order magnetic transition (SOMT). MnCo 1- x Gd x Ge ( x = 0.04, 0.06) have two successive magnetic transitions and a large reversible table-like MCE has been achieved around room temperature (RT). Moreover, the relative cooling power ( RCP ) and effective refrigeration temperature span (δ T FWHM ) with the magnetic field change of 50 kOe reach 335 J/kg and 128 K, respectively.