Structure,magnetism and magnetocaloric effects in Er5Si3Bx(x=0.3,0.6)compounds

We investigate the structure,magnetic properties,magnetic phase transitions and magnetocaloric effects(MCEs)of Er5Si3Bx(x=0.3,0.6)compounds.The Er5Si3Bx(x=0.3,0.6)compounds crystalize in a Mn5Si3 type hexagonal struc-ture(space group:P63/cm)and exhibit a successive complicated magnetic phase transition.The extensive magnetic phase transitions contribute to the broad temperature range of MCEs exhibiting in Er5Si3Bx(x=0.3,0.6)compounds,with max-imum magnetic entropy change(—ΔSmaxM)and refrigeration capacity of 10.2 J·kg-1·K-1,356.3 J/kg and 11.5 J·kg-1·K-1,393.3 J/kg under varying magnetic fields 0-5 T,respectively.Remarkably,the δTFWHM values(the temperature range cor-responding to 1/2 × |-ΔSmaxM|)of Er5Si3Bx(x=0.3,0.6)compounds were up to 41.8 K and 39.6 K,respectively.Thus,the present work provides a potential magnetic refrigeration material with a broad temperature range MCEs for applications in cryogenic magnetic refrigerators.