Magnetic properties and enhanced magnetocaloric effect in EuAl3Si single crystals

Abstract

This study presents systematic investigations into the growth and physical properties of EuAl3Si single crystals, encompassing magnetic, transport, and thermodynamic analyses. EuAl3Si undergoes a ferromagnetic transition at TC = 15 K. A significant reversible magnetocaloric effect was observed around TC. Strikingly, with a small change of magnetic field 2 T, the maximum values of magnetic entropy change (13.4 J/kg K), refrigerant capacity (166 J/kg), and adiabatic temperature change (7.2 K) are found. These parameters, respectively, are 60%, 148%, and 64% larger than those of the parent compound EuAl4 and suggest EuAl3Si as an excellent candidate for magnetic-refrigeration applications near the temperature of liquid hydrogen. The possible mechanism for this enhancement is also discussed.