Magnetocaloric Properties in Gd₃Ni₂ and Gd₃CoNi Systems

Abstract

Intermetallic Gd3Ni2 and Gd3CoNi undergo second-order ferromagnetic paramagnetic phase transition at the Curie temperature, TC. They exhibit a large magnetocaloric effect (MCE). This MCE is manifested with a high entropic peak of 8 and 8.3 J.Kg−1 K−1, at the vicinity TC under 5 T magnetic applied field for Gd3Ni2 and Gd3CoNi, respectively. With their boosted MCE and large refrigerant capacity, Gd3Ni2 and Gd3CoNi compounds can be a candidate as a magnetocaloric refrigerator which is still one of the current research projects recommended by the low energy consumption and low environmental impact of these devices. Based on the Landau theory, Gibb’s free energy leads to determine temperature-dependent parameters which correspond to the electron condensation energy and magnetoelastic coupling and the magnetic entropy change which is a very crucial parameter to evaluate the MCE of a given magnetic system.