Large low-field magnetocaloric effect in MnCo0.95Ge1.14 alloy

Large low-field magnetic entropy changes ∣ΔSM∣ of 2.5 and 6.4 J kg−1 K−1 in MnCo0.95Ge1.14 alloy were obtained near the ferromagnetic–paramagnetic transition temperature for magnetic field changes of 398 and 796 kA m−1, respectively. The large ∣ΔSM∣ is ascribed to the sharp drop in magnetization due to the negative exchange striction of the lattice. The large low-field ∣ΔSM∣, low cost and tunable transition temperature indicate a great potential of MnCo0.95Ge1.14 alloy as a working material for magnetic refrigeration at intermediate temperatures.