Magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect of, (Mn1-xNix)(3)Sn-2(x=0-0.5) compounds

The effects of Ni substitution on the magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of (Mn1-xNix)(3)Sn-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 Mn3Sn2. 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 Mn3Sn2 (T-C1 similar to 257 K), increasing to 31.2 mJ/cm(3) K for (Mn0.9Ni0.1)(3)Sn-2 (T-C similar to 167 K). (c) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3062953]