Large magnetocaloric effect in HoFeO3 single crystal

Magnetocaloric properties of HoFeO3 single crystal are investigated along the direction [100]. Magnetic field dependent magnetization isotherms at different temperatures undergo a metamagnetic transition, entropy change as large as 19.2 J/kg K and 15.8 J/kg K are obtained at 7 T in the vicinity of antiferromagnetic ordering temperature of Ho3+ and the metamagnetic transition, respectively. The coupling of Ho and Fe spins generates the compensation behavior at 6.5 K, separating the two large magnetic entropy change. Its refrigeration capacity (RC) value, as high as 220 J/kg, is appreciable and can be considered as a promising magnetic refrigerant. New evidence for spin reorientation of Fe3+ in HoFeO3 is also provided by the change of magnetic entropy.

► We calculate the magnetic entropy of HoFeO3 single crystal firstly.
► We find the exotic magnetic entropy phenomenon and give the reasonable explain.
► The new spin reorientation evidence is supported.
► The large RC value indicates the material to be potential magnetic refrigerant.