From first-order magneto-elastic to magneto-structural transition in (Mn,Fe)1.95P0.50Si0.50 compounds

TL;DR

This study explores how changing the Mn:Fe ratio in (Mn,Fe)1.95P0.50Si0.50 compounds alters the nature of their magnetic transitions, enabling low-hysteresis, high-efficiency magnetocaloric effects suitable for refrigeration.

Contribution

It demonstrates the tunability of transition types and hysteresis in (Mn,Fe)1.95P0.50Si0.50 compounds through compositional adjustments, advancing magnetic refrigerant development.

Findings

Transition type changes from magneto-elastic to magneto-structural with Mn:Fe ratio.

Thermal hysteresis can be minimized to less than 1 K.

Giant magnetocaloric effect maintained with low hysteresis.

Abstract

We report on structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of MnxFe1.95-xP0.50Si0.50 (x > 1.10) compounds. With increasing the Mn:Fe ratio, a first-order magneto-elastic transition gradually changes into a first-order magneto-structural transition via a second-order magnetic transition. The study also shows that thermal hysteresis can be tuned by varying the Mn:Fe ratio. Small thermal hysteresis (less than 1 K) can be obtained while maintaining a giant magnetocaloric effect. This achievement paves the way for real refrigeration applications using magnetic refrigerants.