Investigations on magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effects in electron-doped La1−xZrxMnO3

Considering the fact that solid-state refrigerants have attracted great attention, we report here the studies related to the magnetic phase transition and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of electron-doped La1−xZrxMnO3 (x = 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) samples synthesized by solid-state reaction. It is observed that there is an increase in magnetization with an increase in Zr doping up to x = 0.15. The isothermal magnetization versus applied magnetic field was used to calculate the magnetic entropy change ǀΔSmǀ for La1−xZrxMnO3 (x = 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) at varying temperatures (100–300 K). Increase in ǀΔSmǀ value from 0.6 J kg−1 K−1 to 2.08 J kg−1 K−1 is noted with increase in Zr doping from x = 0.05 to x = 0.15, respectively. The relative cooling power (RCP) value of La0.85Zr0.15MnO3 is found to be 142.50 J kg−1 at H = 50 kOe and is comparable with earlier reported MCE compounds. Furthermore, Banerjee's criteria and Landau theory of phase transitions were also studied to access magnetic ordering in the samples. Electron-doped La1−xZrxMnO3 (x = 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) as solid state refrigerant synthesized by solid-state reaction is investigated for magnetic phase transition and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) with intension for its application in magnetic refrigerator and can be a suitable alternative to relatively expensive gadolinium (Gd)-based magnetic refrigerators and other similar compounds. [Display omitted] •La1−xZrxMnO3 (x = 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) is synthesized by solid-state reaction.•Magnetization of La1−xZrxMnO3 increase with increase in Zr doping upto x = 0.15.•Magnetic entropy change ǀΔSmǀ of 2.08 Jkg−1K−1 was obtained for La0.85Zr0.15MnO3.•Refrigeration capacity of La0.85Zr0.15MnO3 is found to be 259.4 J kg−1 at H = 50 kOe.