Tuning the magneto-elastic transition of (Mn,Fe,V)2(P,Si) alloys to low magnetic field applications

Abstract

The first-order magneto-elastic transition in the Mn–Fe–P–Si alloys can be tailored by vanadium substitution. Alloys with a suitable V substitution provide an excellent magnetocaloric effect with minor hysteresis in low magnetic fields up to 1.2 T. Mössbauer measurements show that the hyperfine field is reduced by V substitution. Neutron diffraction reveals that Fe is substituted by V on the 3f site and the magnetic moment on the 3f site is enhanced by the V substitution. The modified magnetic exchange field around the 3f and 3g positions in the lattice can be utilized to design suitable magnetocaloric materials that operate in low magnetic fields.