Achieving better magneto-caloric effect near room temperature in amorphous Gd50Co50 alloy by minor Zn addition

Magnetic properties and magneto-caloric effect (MCE) of Gd48Co50Zn2 and Gd50Co48Zn2 amorphous alloys were studied. It was found that minor Zn addition obviously improves the refrigeration capacity, magnetic entropy change peak and adiabatic temperature rises of the Gd50Co50 amorphous alloy. The mechanism for the effect of Zn addition was investigated. It is supposed that the minor Zn addition will reduce the Co-Co interaction but enhance the 3d-4f indirect interaction at the same time, and as a result, decrease the Curie temperature and enhance the MCE of the Gd50Co50 metallic glass.