Large magnetocaloric effect in Er2O3 compounds at cryogenic temperature

We investigated the magnetocaloric effect in commercial Er2O3 powders which presents almost no hysteresis losses at low temperature. At a magnetic field change of 5 T, it displays large magnetic entropy change (-Delta S-M)(max) of 15.02 J/(kg.K) and a refrigerant capacity (RC) of 311 J/K at Neel temperature T-N = 3.32 K. The magnetic transition was found to be of a second-order. The maximum values of adiabatic temperature change (Delta T-ad)(max) reach 0.70 K for a magnetic field change of 1 T. The large value, of (-Delta S-M)(max) as well as no hysteresis loss, makes Er2O3 a promising material as a magnetic refrigerant at low temperature. (C) 2020 Chinese Society of Rare Earths. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, the magnetocaloric effect of commercial Er2O3 powders was investigated, showing promising potential as a magnetic refrigerant at low temperatures due to its large magnetic entropy change and refrigerant capacity. The material exhibits significant adiabatic temperature change under magnetic field variations, making it a candidate for efficient cooling applications.