Crystal structures and magnetic properties of Fe_1.93-xCo_xP_1-ySi_y compounds

In view of the interest that (Fe,Co)₂(P,Si) compounds have as potential permanent magnets, their structural and magnetic phase diagrams are explored focusing on establishing the range where the hexagonal Fe₂P-type structure is observed. In Fe_1.93-xCo_xP_1-ySi_y, the highest Si...

Drastic Influence of Synthesis Conditions on Structural, Magnetic, and Magnetocaloric Properties of Mn(Fe,Ni)(Si,Al) Compounds

Mn compounds presenting magneto-structural phase transitions are currently intensively studied for their giant magnetocaloric effect; nevertheless, several parameters remain to be further optimized. Here, we explore the Mn(Fe,Ni)(Si,Al) series, which presents two advantages. The Mn content is fixed to unity ensuring a large saturation...

(Fe,Co)₂(P,Si) rare-earth free permanent magnets: From macroscopic single crystals to submicron-sized particles

While rare-earth magnets exhibit unchallenged hard-magnetic properties, looking for alternatives based on inexpensive elements of non-critical supply remains of utmost interest. Here, we demonstrate that (Fe,Co)₂(P,Si) single crystals combine a large magnetocrystalline anisotropy (K₁ ≈ 0.9 MJ m⁻³ at 300 K),...

Lattice dynamics across the magnetic transition in (Mn,Fe)1.95(P,Si)

The lattice dynamics in MnFe0.95Si0.50P0.50 were investigated experimentally using Fe57 nuclear inelastic scattering and inelastic x-ray scattering across the first-order magnetic transition which occurs close to room temperature. The lattice dynamics characterization was supported by a macroscopic magnetic characterization, an x-ray...

Effect of Carbon Doping on the Structure and Magnetic Phase Transition in (Mn,Fe₂(P,Si))

Given the potential applications of (Mn,Fe₂(P,Si))-based materials for room-temperature magnetic refrigeration, several research groups have carried out fundamental studies aimed at understanding the role of the magneto-elastic coupling in the first-order magnetic transition and further optimizing this system. Inspired by the...

A universal metric for ferroic energy materials

After almost 20 years of intensive research on magnetocaloric effects near room temperature, magnetic refrigeration with first-order magnetocaloric materials has come close to real-life applications. Many materials have been discussed as potential candidates to be used in multicaloric devices. However, phase transitions in ferroic materials...

Efficient Room-Temperature Cooling with Magnets

Magnetic cooling is a highly efficient refrigeration technique with the potential to replace the traditional vapor compression cycle. It is based on the magnetocaloric effect, which is associated with the temperature change of a material when placed in a magnetic field. We present experimental evidence for the origin of the giant entropy...

Nature of the first-order magnetic phase transition in giant-magnetocaloric materials

This thesis reports on advanced characterizations of giant magnetocaloric materials that show a first order magnetic phase transition (FOMT). The results are of great interest not only for the design of new magnetic refrigerants, but also for a better understanding of the FOMT. This thesis paves the way for further developments and understanding...

Moment evolution across the ferromagnetic phase transition of giant magnetocaloric (Mn,Fe)2(P,Si,B) compounds

A strong electronic reconstruction resulting in a quenching of the Fe magnetic moments has recently been predicted to be at the origin of the giant magnetocaloric effect displayed by Fe2P-based materials. To verify this scenario, x-ray magnetic circular dichroism experiments have been carried out at the L edges of Mn and Fe for two typical...

Taming the first-order transition in giant magnetocaloric materials

Large magnetically driven temperature changes are observed in MnFe(P,Si,B) materials simultaneously with large entropy changes, limited (thermal or magnetic) hysteresis, and good mechanical stability. The partial substitution of B for P in MnFe(P,Si) compounds is found to be an ideal parameter to control the latent heat observed at the Curie...