Ferromagnetic-paramagnetic Transition Research Articles

Excellent Magnetocaloric Properties near 285 K of Amorphous Fe88Pr6Ce4B2 Ribbon

A novel amorphous Fe88Pr6Ce4B2 ribbon with better magnetocaloric properties near 285 K is reported in the present work. The Fe88Pr6Ce4B2 ribbon exhibits a typical second-order ferromagnetic–paramagnetic transition near its Curie temperature (Tc, ~284 K), with a maximum magnetic entropy change (−ΔSmpeak) of ~4.15 J/(kg × K) under 5 T and a maximum adiabatic temperature rise (ΔTad) of ~2.57 K under 5 T, both of which are almost the largest amongst the iron-based metallic glasses with Tc = 285 ± 10 K. The high −ΔSmpeak enables several amorphous hybrids with table-like −ΔSm–T curves to be synthesized by appropriately proportioning the Fe88Pr6Ce4B2 ribbon and other amorphous ribbons with different Tc. The larger average −ΔSm and effective refrigeration capacity, as well as the appropriate temperature range, make the two amorphous hybrids potential candidates for use as refrigerants in household magnetic air conditioners.

Magnetic phase transition and critical behavior of the chiral magnet [formula omitted]-Mn type Co7Zn7Mn6

We report a systematic study of magnetic transformation and magnetic critical behavior in the chiral magnet β-Mn type Co7Zn7Mn6. It undergoes a paramagnetic-ferromagnetic phase transition around 190 K and shows a spin glass state at 18 K. The critical exponents β= 0.685, γ= 1.385, and δ= 3.03 are obtained by the investigation of magnetic field dependence on magnetic-entropy change and the calculation with Widom scaling relation. The reliability of critical exponents is confirmed by the scaling equation. The strong reversed site disorder of β-Mn type Co7Zn7Mn6 results in the localized characterization of carriers and a slow development of ferromagnetic ordering state.

Diverse effects of ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition on the activity and selectivity of ferromagnetic catalysts

Tuning the catalyst’s activity and selectivity is usually achieved by modifying the electronic structure through strategies such as alloying, doping, strain, and ligand modification, but inevitably accompanied by geometric structure changes of catalysts. It is challenging to modify a catalyst’s electronic structure without changing its geometric structure. Recent studies found that the second-order ferromagnetic to paramagnetic (FM-PM) phase transition could promote catalytic performance without altering the geometric structures of active sites, which was also known as the magneto-catalytic effect (MCE). However, the understanding of the MCE is still incomplete. Herein, we conducted systematic density functional theory (DFT) calculations to clarify the complex reaction mechanisms for conversions of nitrogen-containing small molecules on both FM and PM Ni (111) surfaces. Our microkinetic modeling (MKM) results demonstrate that FM-PM phase transition promotes the N2O decomposition activity of FM Ni catalyst but decreases its activity for NO decomposition while showing a negligible influence on the activity of ammonia decomposition. These results indicate the promotion, inhibition, and disappearance mechanisms of MCE on the catalytic activity, which further changes the selectivity of different products. We anticipate the MCE will work as an effective strategy for fine-tuning the activity and selectivity of ferromagnetic catalysts in heterogeneous catalysis, providing an extra basis for rational catalyst design.

Optimized TCR and MR properties of La0.7-xSmxCa0.3MnO3 ceramics by Sm3+ doping

La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO), with its high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and large magnetoresistance (MR) effect, has emerged as a leading material in the field of new multi-functional ceramics. Enhancing the magnetoresistive effect of LCMO in low magnetic field and expanding its application range is one of the main research goals of this kind of materials. In this work, La0.7-xSmxCa0.3MnO3 (LSCMO) (0≤x≤0.09) ceramic targets with different doping amounts were successfully prepared by sol-gel method, and the influence mechanism of Sm3+ doping on the magnetoresistive effect and electrical transport performance of LSCMO was systematically analyzed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the lattice parameters (a,b,c,V) of LSCMO decreased slightly, indicating that the doping amount of Sm3+ at the A-site increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the grains were closely connected without obvious pores, the grain size decreased slightly. The ρ-T curve shows an obvious metal-insulator (M-I) transition, with the increase of Sm3+, the increase of resistivity, metal-insulator transition temperature (TMI) and ferromagnetic-paramagnetic (FM-PM) transition temperature (TC) move towards low temperature. When x=0.015, the peak value of TCR reaches 41.94%·K-1, and when x= 0.06, the peak value of MR reaches 80.25%, both TCR and MR are improved. The results show that: Sm3+ doping can effectively enhance the electromagnetic transport performance of LSCMO. This material has a very wide application prospect in the fields of magnetic storage, and infrared detection.

Multi-phase transition behavior over a wide temperature range in magnetocaloric (Mn, Fe, Ni)2(P, Si) alloys

This study investigates the magnetocaloric property of MnFe0.95-xNixP0.6Si0.4 (x = 0.02, 0.03, 0.04) alloys over a wide temperature range and their related phase transitions. These P-rich composition alloys, with a P/Si ratio of 1.5, exhibit multi-phase transition behavior across a broad temperature range. In-situ 2D X-ray diffraction reveals overlapping diffraction peaks of the Fe2P-type hexagonal structure throughout the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition, rather than a single, drastic transition. This observation suggests the formation of a multi-phase structure within the alloys. Consequently, these alloys exhibit high refrigeration capacity (RC) values ranging from 168.6 to 218.1 J kg−1 under an applied magnetic field of 2 T. Notably, these RC values are superior to those observed in other P/Si ratio compositions without multi-phase transitions or even Gd, a representative magnetocaloric material. This improved performance demonstrates the promising potential of these multi-phase transition alloys as candidates for magnetocaloric refrigeration systems.

The Nd-Fe-Rh system: Phase relations determination at 600 ℃ and magnetic property measurement of related compounds

The isothermal section of the Nd-Fe-Rh system at 600 ℃ was constructed based on the phase identification and analysis results from annealed alloys using X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy equipped with Energy dispersive spectroscopy. Two previously reported binary compounds, Nd4Rh and Fe2Nd, could not be confirmed. No new ternary compounds were found in the isothermal section. In the present work, the homogeneity ranges of the Fe-Rh binary system were redefined using phase disappear method, which were determined to be about 70–100 Fe at%, 51–69 Fe at%, 0–45 Fe at% for the single-phase region α-Fe, FeRh and γ-(Rh, Fe), respectively. It was confirmed that the maximum solid solubility of Fe in NdRh2, Nd3Rh and Nd7Rh3 is about 15.6 at% Fe, 4.0 at% Fe and 3.1 at% Fe, respectively, while no appreciable solubility was observed for the other binary compounds in the Nd-Fe-Rh system. The isothermal section of the Nd-Fe-Rh ternary system at 600 ℃ consists of 13 single-phase regions, 23 two-phase regions, and 11 three-phase regions. It suggests the presence of predominant antiferromagnetic exchange interaction in the NdRh compound. For the 38Nd-8Fe-54Rh sample, two magnetic entropy change peaks originate from the combined contribution from two magnetic phase transitions, an antiferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition and a ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition for NdRh and NdRh2 phase, respectively.

Insights into reduction of hysteresis in (Mn, Fe)2(P, Si) compounds by experimental approach and Landau theory

The giant magnetocaloric effect in (Mn, Fe)2(P, Si) based alloys arises from a magnetoelastic ferromagnetic-paramagnetic (FM-PM) phase transition accompanied by a large thermal hysteresis. The thermal hysteresis leads to an undesirable irreversibility of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) during cyclic operation, impeding the practical application in solid-state magnetic refrigeration. Here, we present pre-existing PM nuclei play a role in reducing hysteresis. A combinatorial analysis, using in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) microscopy, reveals that the residual PM phases at the ferromagnetic state of the compound acts as the nuclei for the growth of the PM phases. This is kinetically favorable for the FM-PM phase transition and contributes to a smaller hysteresis from an extrinsic perspective. In addition, the smaller changes in the lattice constants during the phase transition indicates a weakened first-order phase transition. Through a combined effect of intrinsic and extrinsic contributions, a giant MCE in the magnetic entropy change of 16 J kg–1 K−1 under 2 T and a low thermal hysteresis of 3.0 K were achieved in a basic Mn–Fe–Si–P quaternary system for room temperature applications. Furthermore, based on Landau theory and experimentally obtained data, we established an H-T phase diagram and unveiled the crucial role of the magnetoelastic coupling in manipulating thermal hysteresis. Overall, the findings in this work offer a strategy to mitigate hysteresis while retaining a large MCE through extrinsic control.

Sm substitution effect on the critical behaviour of Laves phase Gd1−xSmxCo2 intermetallic nearby the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition

In this work, we present a comparative and detailed study of the critical behavior near ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition in the intermetallic Laves phase compounds Gd1−xSmxCo2, x = 0.5, 0.6 and 0.7. The investigated samples exhibit a second-order phase transition at Curie temperature TC. The critical exponents β, γ, and δ have been estimated through diverse techniques: the Modified Arrott plot, the Kouvel-Fisher plot, the critical isotherm technique, and the magnetocaloric effect method. The critical exponents values that were determined have been validated using the universal scaling hypothesis, wherein the isotherm magnetization curves M(H) converge into two distinct universal branches below and above TC. The substitution of Gd by Sm changes the universality class in the (Gd,Sm)Co2 compounds. For the sample Gd0.5Sm0.5Co2, the critical exponents obtained are closely consistent with the predictions of the 3D-Heisenberg model featuring a magnetic system with a short-range exchange interaction. While, for both samples Gd0.4Sm0.6Co2 and Gd0.3Sm0.7Co2, the values deviate from known theoretical models and might belong to an unconventional universality class with an intermediate-range exchange interaction.

Separability Transitions in Topological States Induced by Local Decoherence.

We study states with intrinsic topological order subjected to local decoherence from the perspective of separability, i.e., whether a decohered mixed state can be expressed as an ensemble of short-range entangled pure states. We focus on toric codes and the X-cube fracton state and provide evidence for the existence of decoherence-induced separability transitions that precisely coincide with the threshold for the feasibility of active error correction. A key insight is that local decoherence acting on the "parent" cluster states of these models results in a Gibbs state. As an example, for the 2D (3D) toric code subjected to bit-flip errors, we show that the decohered density matrix can be written as a convex sum of short-range entangled states for p>p_{c}, where p_{c} is related to the paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition in the 2D (3D) random bond Ising model along the Nishimori line.

Magnetic transition of ytterbium atoms confined in optical superlattice with local ferromagnetic interaction

We used the density matrix renormalization group to study the ground state of ytterbium atoms (171Yb) for the Hund lattice model, where the delocalized atoms are confined in a onc-dimensional optical superlattice and his number is one third of the lattice sites. We found a paramagnetic-ferromagnetic quantum phase transition for any value of the potential strength. The local critical ferromagnetic coupling decreases as the superlattice potential increases.

Thermal and thermoelectric properties of potassium-doped Pr0.6Sr0.4-xKxMnO3 (x = 0.05 and x = 0.1)

The temperature dependence of thermal conductivity and thermopower was studied for a series of monovalent doped Pr0.6Sr0.4-xKxMnO3 (with x = 0.05 and x = 0.1). The influence of the external magnetic field up to 2 T was investigated with a focus on the vicinity of the ferromagnetic–paramagnetic transition. The analysis of κ(T) data suggests that thermal transport is governed by phonon scattering processes, as both the electronic and magnon contribution to total thermal conductivity is well below 1%. The temperature behavior corresponds to typical curves observed in other manganites, both in shape and value. Thermopower investigation S(T) showed a negative value in all studied temperatures, and for further analysis was divided into ferromagnetic and paramagnetic regions. In the first one, the experimental data followed a standard empirical equation S0+S3/2T3/2+S4T4, bringing information about the prevailing electron–magnon scattering processes. For the latter one, the polaron hopping model was used.

Effect of Zn substitution on magnetic properties and magnetic entropy change in La0.7Ba0.25Nd0.05Mn1-xZnxO3 (x = 0.03 and 0.05) synthesized by using sol-gel method

This investigation explored the structural, magnetic, and magnetic entropy change characteristics of La0.7Ba0.25Nd0.05Mn1-xZnxO3 (x = 0.03 and 0.05) synthesized through the sol-gel method. The structural analysis revealed the crystallization of both samples in a Rhombohedral structure with the R-3c space group. The examination of magnetic properties indicated a suppression in magnetic behavior, with the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition temperature (TC) decreasing from 285 K to approximately 260 K with an increase in Zn content (x) from 0.03 to 0.05, respectively. The maximum value of magnetic entropy change (−ΔSM) under an applied magnetic field of 50 kOe was determined to be 3.96 J/kg·K for x = 0.03 and 2.27 J/kg·K for x = 0.05. Analysis of Arrot plots and the universal curve of magnetic entropy change confirmed that the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition observed in both samples exhibits a second-order phase transition (SOPT) transformation.

Structural, morphological, magnetic and electrical properties of La0.8Na0.2-x □ x MnO3 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) manganites.

La0.8Na0.2-x □ x MnO3 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) manganites were successfully synthesized using the solid-state route. X-ray diffraction was performed to check the samples' purity and phase structure. Scanning electron microscopy analysis reveals a decrease in the average grain size with an increase in the deficiency amount. Analysis of the temperature dependence of magnetization proved the presence of ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition in all the studied samples. The magnetization derivative (d2 M/dT 2) curves demonstrated a decrease in the transition temperature with an increase in the deficiency amount. Such experimental observations can be correlated with bandwidth evolution, which affected double-exchange interactions. It can be equally accounted for by the average grain size decrease. In this regard, the experimental measurements of effective paramagnetic moments revealed the existence of ferromagnetic correlations within the paramagnetic phase. Notably, different electrical findings were addressed. Indeed, the frequency dependence of electrical conductivity displayed the coexistence of two frequency slopes reflecting the presence of Jonscher's double power law for all the studied samples. A significant decrease in conductivity values was observed when the deficiency amount increased. This experimental observation could be assigned to the decrease in the grain size (conductor region). Such assumption was confirmed by the evolution of the grain boundary resistance with deficiency level. Indeed, a significant mounting in the grain boundary resistance values was obtained presenting the increase of the resistive region for x = 0.15. It is worth noting that the Curie temperature for the x = 0.10 sample was found to be close to room temperature (T C = 297 K). These findings make the La0.8Na0.1□0.1MnO3 compound a powerful candidate for many technological applications.

The effect of the gelation temperature on the structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of perovskite nanoparticles manufactured using the sol-gel method.

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the structural and magnetic properties of La0.8Sr0.2Mn0.8Co0.2O3 (LS1, LS2 and LS3) compounds synthesized via the sol-gel method at different gelation temperatures through X-ray diffraction and different magnetic measurement techniques. The Rietveld refinement demonstrated that all samples exhibit a rhombohedral perovskite structure with the R3̄C space group. Their magnetic behavior, characterized through magnetization measurements, hysteresis loops, and Arrot plots, demonstrates a ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition with notable soft ferromagnetic characteristics. The samples also demonstrate second-order magnetic transitions, short-range magnetic order and the presence of both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic contributions. AC magnetic susceptibility measurements, allowing the investigation of the magnetic dynamics of the samples, shows that the Vogel-Fulcher and the Conventional Critical Slowing Down models are the most appropriate for describing the dynamic behavior, confirming the spin-glass nature of the compounds and the presence of medium to strong interaction between magnetic nanoparticles. The influence of gelation temperature in the magnetocaloric effect of the compounds was proven and LS1, synthesized at the lowest gelation temperature (70 °C), exhibits the higher magnetic entropy change (|ΔSmax| = 3.25 J kg-1 K-1 and RCP = 209.83 J kg-1 at 5 T). For a better evaluation of the magnetocaloric efficiency, the temperature average entropy change (TEC) parameter was calculated for all three samples and LS1 showed the highest value (TEC (LS1) ∼3.2 J kg-1 K-1 for ΔTH-C = 10 K and ΔH = 5 T).

Nonequilibrium critical dynamics of the two-dimensional ±J Ising model.

The ±J Ising model is a simple frustrated spin model, where the exchange couplings independently take the discrete value -J with probability p and +J with probability 1-p. It is especially appealing due to its connection to quantum error correcting codes. Here, we investigate the nonequilibrium critical behavior of the two-dimensional ±J Ising model, after a quench from different initial conditions to a critical point T_{c}(p) on the paramagnetic-ferromagnetic (PF) transition line, especially above, below, and at the multicritical Nishimori point (NP). The dynamical critical exponent z_{c} seems to exhibit nonuniversal behavior for quenches above and below the NP, which is identified as a preasymptotic feature due to the repulsive fixed point at the NP, whereas for a quench directly to the NP, the dynamics reaches the asymptotic regime with z_{c}≃6.02(6). We also consider the geometrical spin clusters (of like spin signs) during the critical dynamics. Each universality class on the PF line is uniquely characterized by the stochastic Loewner evolution with corresponding parameter κ. Moreover, for the critical quenches from the paramagnetic phase, the model, irrespective of the frustration, exhibits an emergent critical percolation topology at the large length scales.

Traveling/non-traveling phase transition and non-ergodic properties in the random transverse-field Ising model on the Cayley tree

We study the random transverse field Ising model on a finite Cayley tree. This enables us to probe key questions arising in other important disordered quantum systems, in particular the Anderson transition and the problem of dirty bosons on the Cayley tree, or the emergence of non-ergodic properties in such systems. We numerically investigate this problem building on the cavity mean-field method complemented by state-of-the art finite-size scaling analysis. Our numerics agree very well with analytical results based on an analogy with the traveling wave problem of a branching random walk in the presence of an absorbing wall. Critical properties and finite-size corrections for the zero-temperature paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition are studied both for constant (independent of the system volume) and algebraically vanishing (scaling as an inverse power law with the system volume) boundary conditions. In the later case, we reveal a regime which is reminiscent of the non-ergodic delocalized phase observed in other systems, thus shedding some light on critical issues in the context of disordered quantum systems, such as Anderson transitions, the many-body localization or disordered bosons in infinite dimensions.

Highly oriented crystallization, and tunable structural transformation and magnetic transition in Ni-Co-Mn-Al shape memory alloys

Alloy ribbons of Ni50-xCoxMn50-yAly with x = 5–10 and y = 16–17 were prepared by rapidly solidified technique. Highly oriented column-shaped crystalline grains are observed in the alloy ribbons. The formation of martensitic (L10) and austenitic (B2) phases and their structural transformation are strongly dependent on the concentration correlation of Co and Al. Co tends to enhance the fraction and the ferromagnetic interaction of the austenitic phase leading to a greatly increase of the saturation magnetization and Curie temperature of the alloy. The martensitic-austenitic (M−A) structural transformation process can be tuned to occur entirely above room temperature by appropriate concentrations of Co and Al. An irregular variation of the M−A transformation temperature happens in a narrow range, 8–8.5 at%, of Co concentration, while the ferromagnetic–paramagnetic (FM-PM) phase transition temperature monotonically increases. The external magnetic field favors the appearance of the austenitic phase and induces shifts to low and high temperatures for the M−A transformation and the FM-PM transition, respectively.

Theoretical study on the origin of anomalous temperature-dependent electric resistivity of ferromagnetic semiconductor

Employing Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker Green’s function methodology, our investigation elucidates the previously obscure origins of the anomalous temperature-dependent electrical resistivity behavior of (Ga,Mn)As ferromagnetic semiconductors. Phonon and magnon excitations induced by temperature effects are addressed via the coherent potential approximation, while the Kubo–Greenwood formula is employed to compute transport properties. Consequently, the anomalous temperature-dependent electrical resistivity arising from the ferromagnetic–paramagnetic transition is successfully replicated. Our examination of electronic structures and magnetic interactions reveals pivotal roles played by antisite defects and interstitial Mn atoms in governing this behavior. As this approach enables both the estimation of temperature-dependent transport properties and the assessment of underlying mechanisms from a microscopic standpoint, it holds significant potential as a versatile tool across diverse fields.

Thermodynamic Properties and Magnetocaloric Effect of Spins - 1/2 Square Lattice

This work aims to investigate the thermodynamic properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of spins - 1/2 square lattice using Monte Carlo simulation. The considered Ising model is parameterized by the couplings J, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]; where J is the ferromagnetic exchange interaction between first nearest-neighbor spins, a is the anisotropic parameter and [Formula: see text] is the ferromagnetic exchange interaction between second nearest-neighbor spins. Monte Carlo simulation under Metropolis algorithm allows us to study some thermodynamic properties and MCE of spins - 1/2 square lattice. The discussion of the obtained results allowed us to specify the conditions which can enrich the MCE in spins - 1/2 square lattice. The two-dimensional anisotropic Ising model presents clarifying the critical point of the ferromagnetic–paramagnetic transition, and we have shown that the maximum entropy variation increases when it occurs at the ferromagnetic–paramagnetic transition temperature regardless of the intensity of the applied magnetic field and the values of “a” and “b”.

Study of AC Susceptibility of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 at Different Frequencies

In the present work, the structural and ac magnetic susceptibility as a function of temperature at different frequencies of perovskite type La08Sr0.2MnO3 (LSMO) compound have been discussed. Conventional solid-state route was used to synthesize LSMO compound. Orthorhombic crystal structure with Pnma space group of the compound was witnessed from the analysis of X-ray diffractograms by Rietveld refinement. The real (χꞌ) and imaginary (χꞌꞌ) part of the ac susceptibility of the compound have been studied. The real part of magnetic susceptibility (χꞌ) of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 sample increases as temperature decrease. This indicates that the paramagnetic-ferromagnetic phase transition occurs. At different frequencies, i.e. 100Hz and 500Hz the Curie temperature Tc are 326K and 336K respectively. Peaks observed in the imaginary part χꞌꞌ) of magnetic susceptibility plot indicate the presence of sample inhomogeneity.