Giant magnetocaloric effect in Fe-doped rare earth orthochromite GdCr 0.5 Fe 0.5 O 3

In this manuscript, we present investigations into the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of the Fe-doped orthochromite system GdCr 0.5 Fe 0.5 O 3 , along with its structural, electronic and thermal properties. Manifestations of orbital-mediated electron–phonon coupling, the charge transfer mechanism and exchange splitting can clearly be observed in the acquired Raman and core-level X-ray photoemission spectra. Additionally, Fe substitution enhances Cr 3+ /Fe 3+ spin canting, thereby strengthening the weak ferromagnetic component over the paramagnetic moment of Gd 3+ , resulting in a suppression of temperature-induced magnetization reversal in the Fe-doped system as compared to the parent GdCrO 3 . A maximum magnetic entropy change (−Δ S maxm) of 44.86 J kg −1 K −1 , adiabatic temperature change (Δ T maxad) of 15.14 K and relative cooling power (RCP max ) of ∼691.81 J kg −1 for a magnetic field variation of 9 T at cryogenic temperatures were obtained from the temperature-dependent magnetization and heat capacity measurements. These observed giant magnetocaloric effect parameters make this system a promising competitor in the field of magnetic refrigeration technology for cooling applications at cryogenic temperatures.