Magnetocaloric performance of the three-component Ho_1-xEr_xNi₂ (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75) Laves phases as composite refrigerants

To date, significant efforts have been put into searching for materials with advanced magnetocaloric properties which show promise as refrigerants and permit realization of efficient cooling. The present study, by an example of Ho_1-xEr_xNi₂, develops the concept of magnetocaloric efficiency in the rare-earth Laves-phase compounds. Based on the magneto-thermodynamic properties, their potentiality as components of magnetocaloric composites is illustrated. The determined regularities in the behaviour of the heat capacity, magnetic entropy change, and adiabatic temperature change of the system substantiate reaching high magnetocaloric potentials in a desired temperature range. For the Ho_1-xEr_xNi₂ solid solutions, we simulate optimal molar ratios and construct the composites used in magnetic refrigerators performing an Ericsson cycle at low temperatures. The tailored magnetocaloric characteristics are designed and efficient procedures for their manufacturing are developed. Our calculations based on the real empirical data are very promising and open avenue to further experimental studies. Systems showing large magnetocaloric effect (MCE) at low temperatures are of importance due to their potential utilization in refrigeration for gas liquefaction.