Magnetocaloric Research Articles

A numerical comparison of Gd, Pr0.65Sr0.35MnO3 and single LaFeCoSi, for use in room temperature magnetic cooling applications

Abstract One of the most significant scientific difficulties to achieving excellent performance for room-temperature magnetic cooling devices is finding suitable magnetocaloric refrigerants. To contribute to this research field, three kinds of magnetocaloric materials (Gd, Pr0.65Sr0.35MnO3 and single LaFeCoSi) in the same conditions (Curie temperature, applied magnetic field) have been considered to evaluate their potential in the magnetic refrigeration application using a 1D-AMRR (Active-Magnetic-Refrigeration-Regenerator) cycle with a parallel plate regenerator. In this way, four cooling performance parameters were investigated, namely the temperature span, the cooling power, the exergy, and the coefficient of performance. The temperature span was found to be 11.79K for Gd , 8K for LaFeCoSi and 4.47 K for Pr0.65Sr0.35MnO3. The obtained numerical results reveal that the Gd-based AMR system displays a higher efficiency, while the Pr0.65Sr0.35MnO3-based AMR system exhibits a smaller one. The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in the magnetic refrigerants was considered to explain the result obtained and can be considered as one of the main factors to enhance the magnetic refrigeration performance.

DFT and Monte Carlo simulations of the intermetallic compound MnZnSb

The present work aims to investigate the structural, magnetic and electronic properties of ternary intermetallic MnZnSb using density functional theory (DFT) and Monte Carlo simulation (MCs). The obtained ground state results reveal that MnZnSb is stable in the ferromagnetic state with a metallic nature and high magnetic anisotropy. The calculated total and local magnetic moments are 2.96 μ B and 3.05 μ B for MnZnSb. Ferromagnetic behaviour was confirmed using the Stoner criterion. The elastic constants are used to verify the mechanical stability of the MnZnSb compound, demonstrating that the compound is mechanically stable and has a brittle character with low Debye temperature. The magnetic behaviour of MnZnSb is studied using MCs and the obtained results show that undergoes a transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic state at a critical temperature ( T C ) of 320 K. The computed magnetocaloric effect indicates that the compound exhibits large values of relative cooling power at 14 T, around 502.2 J/K.

Machine learning algorithms for optimization of magnetocaloric effect in all-d-metal Heusler alloys

This study examines the application of machine learning algorithms, specifically the Random Forest regression model, to optimize the magnetocaloric effect in all-d-metal Heusler alloys. The model was trained using descriptors related to the mean properties of individual atoms, the properties of simple compounds in their ground state, and measures of chemical disorder. It demonstrated high accuracy in predicting structural properties, while exhibiting moderate accuracy in predicting magnetic properties. To identify optimal alloy compositions, a genetic algorithm was used to find those with the greatest differences in magnetization during martensitic transitions. Using this combined approach, the Ni–Co–Mn–Ti alloy system was thoroughly explored, resulting in the discovery of an alloy with a maximum magnetization difference. These results are consistent with previous research based on density functional theory and highlight the effectiveness of integrating machine learning with genetic algorithms for the discovery of new materials with outstanding magnetocaloric properties. The study emphasizes the need for further refinement of models capable of accurately predicting complex magnetic interactions, which is essential for fully leveraging the potential of all-d-metal Heusler alloys in practical applications.

Observation of Griffiths phase and giant magnetocaloric effect in double perovskite oxide RE2FeCrO6 (RE = Gd, Tb, Dy, Er)

AbstractThe magnetic properties of double perovskite oxide RE2FeCrO6 (RE = GD, Tb, Dy, Er) were systematically studied, and the Griffiths phase evolution was observed. In Tb2FeCrO6, Dy2FeCrO6, and Er2FeCrO6, there are antiferromagnetic (AFM)‐ferromagnetic (FM) first‐order phase transition and the Griffiths phase with coexistence of FM and paramagnetic (PM) was observed by the EPR spectra. Gd2FeCrO6 has an AFM–PM second‐order phase transition, and there is no first‐order phase transition in the range of ∆H = 0–50 kOe. As the temperature decreases, all four sets of samples present χ−1 (T) deviates downwards from the Curie–Weiss linear behavior from 0.2 to 5 kOe, corresponding to the typical characteristics of Griffiths phase evolution. In addition, all four sets of samples have excellent magnetocaloric performance. Especially, the Gd2FeCrO6 oxide has giant magnetic entropy change and relative cooling power (−∆SMmax = 30.31 J/kg K and RCP = 312.8 J/kg when ∆H = 50 kOe). From the perspective of low‐temperature magnetic refrigeration application, the present work provides important candidate references for magnetic component researchers.

Quantum Machines Using Cu3$\mathrm{Cu}_{3}$‐Like Compounds Modeled by Heisenberg Antiferromagnetic in a Triangular Ring

AbstractA theoretical study of an antiferromagnetically coupled spin system, specifically , characterized by a slightly distorted equilateral triangle configuration is presented. Using the Heisenberg model with exchange and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions, g‐factors, and an external magnetic field, three quantum machines are investigated using this system as the working substance, assuming reversible processes. For the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) is significant at low temperatures (1K) under a perpendicular magnetic field (). Although only the compound is considered, since the compound behaves quite similarly. How MCE influences the Carnot machine, which operates as a heat engine or refrigerator when varying the external magnetic field is analyzed. In contrast, the Otto and Stirling machines can operate as heat engines, refrigerators, heaters, or thermal accelerators, depending on the magnetic field intensity. The results indicate that enhanced MCE broadens the operating regions for these machines, with the Otto and Stirling machines primarily functioning as refrigerators and accelerators. The corresponding thermal efficiencies are also discussed for all operating modes.

Dynamic magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect of a nanotube encapsulated with X36

Abstract Using Monte Carlo simulation, the dynamic magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect of a mixed-spin (3/2, 2) single-walled nanotube encapsulated with X36 was studied, where X denotes the magnetic atom. The effects of intrinsic parameters on dynamic order parameters, magnetic susceptibility, internal energy, and specific heat were considered. The phase diagrams were obtained. The results indicate that the critical temperature can be increased by decreasing the absolute values of the anisotropies (D a , D b ), increasing the exchange couplings (|J ab |, J bb ), and decreasing the amplitude h 0 and the period τ of the external magnetic field. And under the influence of these parameters, the magnetocaloric effect is generated.

Crystal structure, magnetic property and cryogenic magnetocaloric effect of Gd4Al2O9 aluminate

Developing magnetic materials with excellent magnetocaloric effect (MCE) is a vital prerequisite for practical magnetic refrigeration (MR) applications. Herein, a single-phased polycrystalline Gd4Al2O9 compound was fabricated using the co-precipitation method, and its structure, magnetic property together with magnetocaloric performance were investigated. The Gd4Al2O9 compound was found to crystallize in the monoclinic structure space group P21/c with lattice parameters a = 7.4852 Å, b = 10.5561 Å, c = 11.1774 Å, β = 108.95° and V=835.3107 Å3, and the constituent elementals had valence states of Gd3+, Al3+ and O2−. Excellent comprehensive MCE performance was observed for the Gd4Al2O9 compound in low-temperature regions. The obtained values of maximal magnetic entropy change, temperature-averaged entropy change (3 K) and relative cooling power under the magnetic flux density change of 0–7 T are 26.31 J/kg·K, 25.09 J/kg·K and 317.05 J/kg. The Gd4Al2O9 compound shows impressive comprehensive MCE performances compared with some recently reported rare earth-based MR materials with prominent performances, meaning that it is a suitable candidate material for low-temperature MR applications.

Numerical simulation of active magnetic regenerative refrigeration using Gyroid structured regenerator at room temperature

Numerical simulation of active magnetic regenerative refrigeration using Gyroid structured regenerator at room temperature

Enhanced low field magnetocaloric effect through Fe doping induced ferromagnetic transition in HoCo0.8Fe0.2C compound

Enhanced low field magnetocaloric effect through Fe doping induced ferromagnetic transition in HoCo0.8Fe0.2C compound

Enhancement of the magnetocaloric effect in Nd0.6-xGdxSr0.4MnO3 (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) perovskite manganites: the role of Gd3+ ionic substitution

The influence of Gd3+ doping on the magnetocaloric properties of Nd0.6-xGdxSr0.4MnO3 (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) compounds, prepared using auto-combustion sol-gel technique, has been studied . Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data has shown all compounds to be nanocrystalline with single-phased orthorhombic structures that index to the Pnma space group. The unit cell volumes reduce as the Gd3+ ions gradually substitute the Nd3+ones. The tuning Mn4+/Mn3+ ratio for all compounds, which are slightly lower than that of the Gd-free compound, demonstrates almost equal amounts of both ions. A ferromagnetic-to-paramagnetic transition is observed with rising temperature wherein the Curie temperature (TC) gradually drops with increasing Gd3+ concentration (x). All materials exhibit ferromagnetism at 2 K, with saturation magnetization values that increase slightly with x. Both the calculated maximum magnetic entropies () and relative cooling powers (RCP) increase to relatively large values with increasing temperature and x values. The values obtained for and RCP for Nd0.6-xGdxSr0.4MnO3 (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) are comparable with those of standard pure Gd revealing their potential as magnetic refrigeration systems.

Time dependent model to analyze the magnetic refrigeration performance of gadolinium near the room temperature

Abstract A practical time-dependent model has been constructed to forecast the effectiveness and productivity of a magnetic regenerative refrigerator, as well as to assess its cycle efficiency. The model incorporates many irreversible factors, including the cycle frequency, heat transfer efficiency, and heat leak. Furthermore, it is utilized to scrutinize a magnetic refrigerator that employs spherical Gd particles as the magnetic substance and water as the heat transfer medium. The different cycle steps of the magnetic refrigerator are examined, while the cooling capacity and temperature differential between the two heat exchangers are appraised. The results also show that the magnetic refrigerator can obtain a temperature span of 5 K under 0.8 T magnetic field after 30 cycles in a particular situation. The findings provide valuable information for the future planning and advancement of magnetic refrigeration technology at room temperature.

Structure, Optical Properties and Magnetocaloric Effects in Gd3Fe5O12 Garnet Synthesized by Solid State Method

In this work, gadolinium iron garnet (Gd3Fe5O12) was synthesized using the solid-state ceramic method. The structural analysis, confirmed through Rietveld refinement, indicated the formation of a single-phase garnet structure. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed uniform grain size and homogeneity in the sintered material, while UV-vis absorption studies showed a peak at 300 nm, indicating strong ultraviolet interaction and an optical band gap of 3.64 eV, suggesting optoelectronic potential. The fluorescence emission spectrum shows a band at 435 nm, while the excitation spectrum exhibits bands at 275 and 360 nm. The magnetic measurements demonstrated Gd ion ordering at low temperatures, with a compensation temperature around 290 K. Arrott plots confirmed the second-order magnetic phase transition. Importantly, Gd3Fe5O12 exhibited both normal and inverse magnetocaloric effects, with a maximum magnetic entropy change of 1.05 J kg–1 K–1 at 230 K under 9 T magnetic field. These properties indicate Gd3Fe5O12 material as a promising candidate for magnetic refrigeration and optoelectronic applications.

Optimizing Room‐Temperature Thermoelectric and Magnetocaloric Performance via Constructing Multi‐Scale Interfacial Phases in LaFeSi/BiSbTe Thermo‐Electro‐Magnetic Refrigeration Materials

AbstractFabricating a thermo‐electro‐magnetic material that exhibits simultaneously excellent magnetocaloric (MC) and thermoelectric (TE) performance is challenging since the interfacial reaction causes severe deterioration of MC and TE performance. In this work, a construction of multi‐scale interfaces in LaFe10.4Co0.8Si1.8/Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 (LFS/BST) composites is realized by adopting a low‐temperature high‐pressure sintering strategy. It is revealed in the atomic‐scale that the interfacial reaction between LFS and BST leads to the formation of (Fe,Co)(Sb,Te)2 micro‐grains and LaTe2 nano‐grains, and the latter form low‐mismatch phase boundaries with LFS matrix. Benefiting from the multi‐scale interfacial phases, excellent MC performance of LFS is preserved alongside a minor impact on TE properties, e.g., a peak zT of 1.04 and a small decrease of 3.0% in relative cooling power are achieved in the 2%LFS/BST composite. Compared with other thermo‐electro‐magnetic materials, a good trade‐off between MC and TE performance is realized in LFS/BST composites with simultaneously high MC and TE performance. The 20%LFS/BST composite exhibits a room‐temperature zT of 0.46 with large maximum magnetic entropy change and relative cooling power of 0.81 J kg−1 K−1 and 44.83 J kg−1, respectively. This work provides an effective material design for developing the all‐solid‐state MC/TE hybrid refrigeration technique.

Magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect in thiospinel Fe1-xCuxCr2S4 (x = 0.0, 0.5) compounds

In this study, we investigate the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Cr-based spinel sulphides Fe1-xCuxCr2S4 (x = 0.0 and x = 0.5). The magnetic transition temperature of FeCr2S4 (176 K) increases to 330 K when 50 % of Fe in FeCr2S4 structure is substituted with Cu. Temperature-dependent Zero-Field-Cooled (ZFC) and Field-Cooled (FC) magnetic moment measurements show a paramagnetic (PM) to ferrimagnetic (FiM) phase transition in our samples. Magnetocaloric properties were investigated through magnetization isotherm measurements. The maximum magnetic entropy change values are −2.78 J/kg. K and −2.11 J/kg. K under 5 T magnetic field, for x = 0 and x = 0.5 in Fe1-xCuxCr2S4, respectively. Analysis of phenomenological universal curves and Arrott plots indicate a second-order magnetic transition for both compounds. Consequently, Fe0.5Cu0.5Cr2S4 emerges as a promising candidate for magnetic refrigeration applications due to its considerable high magnetic entropy change and its proximity to room temperature transition.

Programmable adiabatic demagnetization for systems with trivial and topological excitations

We propose a simple, robust protocol to prepare a low-energy state of an arbitrary Hamiltonian on a quantum computer or programmable quantum simulator. The protocol is inspired by the adiabatic demagnetization technique, used to cool solid-state systems to extremely low temperatures. A fraction of the qubits (or spins) is used to model a spin bath that is coupled to the system. By an adiabatic ramp down of a simulated Zeeman field acting on the bath spins, energy and entropy are extracted from the system. The bath spins are then measured and reset to the polarized state, and the process is repeated until convergence to a low-energy steady state is achieved. We demonstrate the protocol via application to the quantum Ising model. We study the protocol's performance in the presence of noise and show how the information from the measurement of the bath spins can be used to monitor the cooling process. The performance of the algorithm depends on the nature of the excitations of the system; systems with non-local (topological) excitations are more difficult to cool than those with local excitations. We explore the possible mitigation of this problem by trapping topological excitations.

La-Fe-Si magnetocaloric composite with anisotropic microstructure prepared by hot pressing

In this study, we have proposed an anisotropic microstructure in La-Fe-Si magnetocaloric composites for thermal management. This is vital to the rapid heat exchange and high working efficiency in magnetic refrigerator system. We demonstrate the anisotropic microstructure in composites can be fabricated via powder metallurgy in this work. By adjusting the particle size of the 1:13 phase, the introduced reinforcing phase with rheological property can effectively deform and anisotropic microstructure can be obviously observed. This can be attributed to the tailored stress distribution in cubic-anvil-type pressure apparatus. The element diffusion between the two phases was also discussed in this paper, taking into account the influence of particle size. Such anisotropic microstructure causes some other anisotropic physical properties in the composite, such as mechanical strength. The compressive measurements along the axial direction exhibit superior mechanical properties (~ 3.5% for strain and ~ 350 MPa for strength) compared to those along the radial direction. Attributed to the stress buffer-effect provided by the introduced ductile phase, magnetocaloric effect (magnetic entropy change ~ 7.8 J/kg K) can be maintained in the La-Fe-Si composite.

Enhanced magnetocaloric effect in nano-sized Dy3Ga5O12 garnet: A comparative study on the effect of solid-state and wet-chemical synthesis

This study investigates the magnetic and structural properties of bulk and nanosized Dy3Ga5O12 (DGG) synthesized through solid-state and wet chemical methods to assess the impact of particle size. The single-phase composition of the synthesized materials was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). XRD and TEM analysis revealed the formation of nanosized DGG via the wet chemical route at 750 °C/2h. The nano DGG exhibits enhanced magnetocaloric effect compared to its bulk counterpart, suggesting its potential as a promising material for low-temperature magnetic refrigeration applications.

Effects of Eu3+ doping on the structural, magnetocaloric effect and critical behavior of Ruddlesden-Popper compounds La1.4-xEuxSr1.6Mn2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1)

The effects of Eu3+ doping on the structural and magnetocaloric effect of Ruddlesden-Popper compounds La1.4-xEuxSr1.6Mn2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) were investigated. The X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy confirmed that La1.4-xEuxSr1.6Mn2O7 compounds exhibited the tetragonal lattice symmetry (I4/mmm) of the Ruddlesden-Popper phase. The crystal structure of La1.4-xEuxSr1.6Mn2O7 compounds distorted and phase separated as the amount of Eu3+ doping varied. The magnetization-temperature curves demonstrated that La1.4-xEuxSr1.6Mn2O7 compounds display a notable transition temperature attributed to its anisotropic exchange coupling. The maximum magnetic entropy changes (−ΔSMmax) of La1.4-xEuxSr1.6Mn2O7(x = 0, 0.075, and 0.1) compounds are 2.82, 3.12 and 3.40 J/(kg·K) at the 5 T applied magnetic field. Meanwhile, its relative cooling power (RCP) was 186.37, 207.42 and 242.54 J/kg, respectively. The critical behavior of La1.4-xEuxSr1.6Mn2O7 (0≤x≤0.1) compounds was analyzed around Tc, and it was found that the critical index (β = 0.413, γ = 1.020, δ = 3.038) is essentially in line with the mean field theory.

Device Model for a Solid‐State Barocaloric Refrigerator

Solid‐state refrigeration represents a promising alternative to vapor compression cooling systems. Solid‐state devices based on magnetocaloric, electrocaloric, and elastocaloric effects have demonstrated the ability to achieve high‐efficiency, reliable, and environment‐friendly refrigeration. Cooling devices based on the barocaloric (BC) effect—entropy change due to applied hydrostatic pressure, however, has not yet been realized despite the significant promise shown in material‐level studies. As a step toward demonstrating a practical cooling system, this work presents a thermodynamic and heat transfer model for a BC refrigerator The model simulates transient thermal transport within the solid refrigerant and heat exchange with hot and cold thermal reservoirs during reversed Brayton refrigeration cycle operation. The model is used to evaluate the specific cooling power (SCP) and coefficient of performance (COP) of the device comprising nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) as a representative BC refrigerant. Experimentally validated BC properties of NBR are used to quantify the contribution of different operating parameters including cycle frequency, applied pressure, operating temperatures, and heat transfer coefficient. The results show that a BC refrigerator operating with a temperature span of 2.4 K and 0.1 GPa applied pressure can achieve an SCP of 0.024 W g−1 at 10 mHz cycle frequency and a COP as high as 5.5 at 1 mHz cycle frequency—exceeding that of conventional vapor compression refrigerators. In addition, to identify key refrigerant properties, the effect of bulk modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity on device performance are quantified. The results highlight the trade‐off between different material properties to maximize the BC response, while minimizing mechanical work and improving thermal transport. This work demonstrates the promise of solid‐state cooling devices based on soft BC materials and provides a framework to quantify its performance at the device‐level.

Advanced Anti-icing and Deicing Strategies for Overhead Power Transmission Lines Based on Giant Magnetocaloric Effect of La0.7Ca0.254Sr0.046MnO3.

Perovskite manganates (AMnO3) exhibit diverse structural, thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties. Their strong magnetocaloric effect (MCE) near the Curie temperature (TC) makes them ideal for magnetic-thermal anti-icing and deicing in power transmission lines. Below TC, ferromagnetic AMnO3 produces heat through multiple mechanisms, with the changing magnetic field induced by the strong AC current, causing heat through magnetic hysteresis and eddy currents, alongside the direct MCE. Above TC, no heating is generated, as MCE is unfavorable, thus preventing additional energy loss at elevated temperatures. In this work, La0.7Ca0.254Sr0.046MnO3 with TC close to 0 °C were synthesized by solid-state reaction. It is found that particle size >10 μm is beneficial for a large MCE, based on the results of particle size dependence of MCE. The resulting maximum magnetic entropy change at 277 K is 7.69 J·kg-1·K-1, and an adiabatic temperature change of 3.87 K at 277 K is achieved under 5 T. The prototype cable is fabricated using a well-established wire drawing process. A climate-simulation chamber is employed for the anti-icing and deicing experiments. The prototype cables demonstrated a strong capability for deicing and anti-icing. This simple and cost-effective prototype cable shows significant potential for mitigating the icing problem of overhead high-voltage power transmission lines.