Large magnetocaloric effect in RE8Pd24Ga (RE = Gd, Tb and Dy) series of compounds

Abstract We report on the low-temperature physical properties of RE 8 Pd 24 Ga (RE = Gd, Tb and Dy) compounds studied by means of thermodynamic and electronic transport measurements. The three compounds exhibit a putative antiferromagnetic ordering. In the paramagnetic region, their magnetic susceptibility follows the Curie-Weiss relation with effective magnetic moments close to those expected for the respective RE 3 + ions. Gd 8 Pd 24 Ga and Dy 8 Pd 24 Ga undergo another magnetic phase transitions in the ordered state. In fairly small magnetic fields, the magnetization of Tb 8 Pd 24 Ga and Dy 8 Pd 24 Ga reveals a metamagnetic-like transition that bears a first-order character. All three compounds studied exhibit magnetocaloric effect of the magnitude similar to those reported for materials applicable as magnetic refrigerants.