Control of Working Temperature of Large Isothermal Magnetic Entropy Change in La(Fe_xTM_ySi_1−x−y)₁₃ (TM=Cr, Mn, Ni) and La_1−zCe_z(Fe_xMn_ySi_1−x−y)₁₃

Abstract

The Curie temperature T_C of La(Fe_xSi_1−x)₁₃ is increased by a partial substitution of Ni for Fe. On the contrary, T_C is decreased by a partial substitution of Cr or Mn. In addition, a partial substitution of Ce for La in La(Fe_xMn_ySi_1−x−y)₁₃ causes the further decrease of T_C. As a result, La_0.65Ce_0.35(Fe_0.85Mn_0.03Si_0.12)₁₃ exhibits a thermal-induced first-order transition at T_C=60 K. This result means that T_C of the La_1−zCe_z(Fe_xMn_ySi_1−x−y)₁₃ is tunable in the temperature range between 60 and 180 K by adjusting composition with keeping the itinerant-electron metamagnetic transition. In the magnetic field change from 0 to 4 T in the vicinity of T_C=60 K, the La_0.65Ce_0.35(Fe_0.85Mn_0.03Si_0.12)₁₃ shows the isothermal magnetic entropy change ΔS_m=−13 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ and the relative cooling power RCP=458 J kg⁻¹. Consequently, the La_1−zCe_z(Fe_xMn_ySi_1−x−y)₁₃ compounds are useful for magnetic refrigerants working in a temperature range between 60 and 180 K.