Abstract
The magnetocaloric properties of a composite material consisting of isolated Gd2O3 nanoparticles with a diameter of 6–8 nm embedded in the pores of a mesoporous silica matrix have been studied. The fascinating nanostructure and composition were properly characterized by small angle X-ray scattering, X-ray absorption near edge structure, and TEM. Almost ideal paramagnetic behavior of the material was observed in the temperature range of 1.8–300 K. When compared to various nanosystems, the presented composite exhibits an extraordinarily large magnetic entropy change of 40 J/kg K for a field variation of 0–5 T at cryogenic temperature (3 K). Considering only the mass of the Gd2O3 nanoparticle fraction, this corresponds to 120 J/kg K. Calculated refrigerant capacities are 100 J/kg and 400 J/kg for the composite and nanoparticles, respectively. Our findings suggest that the combination of the unique porous structure of amorphous silica with fine gadolinium oxide nanoparticles and high value of magnetic entropy change enables to extend the application of the Gd2O3@SiO2 composite, to cryomagnetic refrigeration. In addition, the characteristics of the thermomagnetic behavior have been studied using the scaling analysis of the magnetic entropy change.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
