Three-dimensional two-fold interpenetrated CrIII–GdIIIheterometallic framework as an attractive cryogenic magnetorefrigerant

Abstract

The hydrothermal reaction of CrO3, Gd2O3 and iminodiacetic acid (H2IDA) yields a three-dimensional (3D) two-fold interpenetrated complex [CrGd(IDA)2(C2O4)]∞ (1). The oxalate anions were generated in situ under hydrothermal conditions. Magnetic studies suggest the presence of weak antiferromagnetic coupling between CrIII and GdIII ions, and negligible GdIII⋯GdIII and CrIII⋯CrIII couplings. Complex 1 exhibits a large magnetocaloric effect with − ΔSmaxm = 39.86 J kg−1 K−1 (the mass aspect) and 93.69 mJ cm−3 K−1 (the volumetric aspect), making it an attractive refrigerant for low-temperature applications.