Tuning the giant inverse magnetocaloric effect in Mn2−xCrxSb compounds

Structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of Mn2-xCrxSb compounds have been studied. In these compounds, a first order magnetic phase transition from the ferrimagnetic to the antiferromagnetic state occurs with decreasing temperature, giving rise to giant inverse magnetocaloric effects that can be tuned over a wide temperature interval through changes in substitution concentration. Entropy changes as high as 7.5 J/kg K have been observed, and a composition independent entropy change is obtained for several different concentrations/working temperatures, making these compounds suitable candidates for a composite working material.