Structural and cryogenic magnetic properties in AGd(MoO4)2(A = Li, Na and K) compounds

The crystal structure, magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in AGd(MoO4)(2) compounds with A = Li, Na and K were investigated in detail. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results suggest that all the AGd(MoO4)(2) compounds are single phased. The LiGd(MoO4)(2) and NaGd(MoO4)(2) crystallize in the tetragonal structure, whereas the KGd(MoO4)(2) crystallizes in a triclinic structure. All compounds are composed of numerous irregular small particles and the corresponding constituent elements are distributed uniformly. Additionally, all compounds exhibit pronounced MCE at cryogenic temperatures. The maximum magnetic entropy change -Delta S-M(max) values of the AGd(MoO4)(2) series compounds reach 33.6, 36.4 and 32.4 J/kg K @ 2.5 K with the Delta H of 0-7 T for A = Li, Na and K, respectively.