Magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect of (Mn_(1-x)Ni_x)_3Sn_2(x = 0-0.5) compounds

摘要

The effects of Ni substitution on the magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of (Mn_(1-x)Ni_x)_3Sn_2 compounds (x=0-0.5) have been investigated by x-ray diffraction and magnetization measurements. It was found that Ni substitution decreases the crystal cell volume and the magnetic transition temperatures compared with pure Mn_3Sn_2. The MCE for all samples has been calculated from the magnetization data in terms of the isothermal magnetic entropy change DELTA S_M. The maximum values of DELTA S_M~(max) at the magnetic phase transition temperatures resulting from a change in magnetic field of DELTA H=5 T were found to be 28.2 mJ/cm~3 K for Mn_3Sn_2 (T_(C1) approx 257 K), increasing to 31.2 mJ/cm~3 Kfor (Mn_(0.9)Ni_(0.1))_3Sn_2 (T_C approx 167 K).