Magnetocaloric effect in Fe-based antiperovskite compound Sn0.6NFe3.4

The sustainable development puts forward higher requirements for the traditional refrigeration technology in terms of environmental protection and energy efficiency. The magnetic refrigeration is regarded as promising refrigeration technologies with important application prospects. Herein, we report the crystal structure, magnetic properties, and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of antiperovskite compound Sn0.6NFe3.4. The obtained appropriate paramagnetic Curie temperature (TC), sharp transition process from ferromagnetic (FM) to paramagnetic (PM) phase, and large magnetization suggest several significant characteristics of MCE. A quite broad distribution of magnetic entropy change (- Delta SM) is observed, and the maximum value of - Delta SM is found to be 1.038 J/kg K with the magnetic field change Delta H = 45 kOe. Moreover, the relative cooling power (RCP) for Sn0.6NFe3.4 can reach 187.71 J/kg at Delta H = 45 kOe. Compared with other conventional magnetic refrigeration materials, such as metal and amorphous alloys, Sn0.6NFe3.4 reveals a considerable MCE as well as a more obvious price advantage. Therefore, we provide that the obtained results may draw attention of researches for the development of magnetic refrigeration devices.

Automated summary

The demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient refrigeration technology is increasing due to sustainable development. Magnetic refrigeration, specifically the antiperovskite compound Sn0.6NFe3.4, shows potential for application in this field. This study explores the crystal structure, magnetic properties, and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of Sn0.6NFe3.4, revealing significant characteristics such as a suitable paramagnetic Curie temperature, a sharp transition process from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic phase, and a large magnetization. The material exhibits a wide distribution of magnetic entropy change and achieves a high relative cooling power at a magnetic field change of 45 kOe. Compared to other conventional magnetic refrigeration materials, Sn0.6NFe3.4 demonstrates a considerable MCE and offers a more affordable price advantage. These findings are expected to attract researchers' attention towards the development of magnetic refrigeration devices.