Analysis of the phase transition and magneto-thermal properties in La2CoMnO6 single crystals

Structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of the double perovskite La2CoMnO6 single crystals are investigated. The nature of the magnetic phase transition is analysed in terms of magnetic measurements and the Landau theory. The proportion of cationic order and the Co/Mn oxidation states were identified from the effective magnetic moment and Raman spectroscopy studies. La2CoMnO6 single crystals exhibit a significant refrigerant capacity. For a magnetic field change of 5 T, a refrigerant capacity of 222 J/kg is obtained. The magnetocaloric performance of La2CoMnO6 single crystals in the vicinity of the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition region (T-C = 170K) is discussed and compared with that of a polycrystalline sample. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.