Magnetocaloric effect investigation in the ferromagnetic Eu2CuSi3 compound

Here, it is reported the study of the structural, magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of the Eu2CuSi3 compound. Polycrystalline Eu2CuSi3 compound with AlB2-type derived hexagonal structure was successfully synthesized by arc-melting method. Magnetic measurements indicate a second-order ferromagnetic (FM) phase transition below 40 K. The effective magnetic moment of Eu is reduced compared with divalent free ion, indicating a compensation of Eu magnetic moment. Spin reorientation induce negative magnetocaloric effect below Curie temperature. The values of full width half-maximum of −ΔSM peak (δTFWHM = 35 K) and maximum value of entropy change (−ΔSMmax∼9.5 J/kg K) for μ0ΔH = 6 T strongly contribute to improve the relative cooling power (RCP∼332 J/kg) of Eu2CuSi3 compound. As observed, δTFWHM value is sensibly wider than the usual values observed for first and second order magnetic phase transition compounds. Then, −ΔSMmax and δTFWHM values as well as the neglected magnetic hysteresis that were obtained for Eu2CuSi3 have shown features as a desirable second order magnetic phase transition compound for low temperature magnetic refrigeration.