Coordination compounds and the magnetocaloric effect

This review article examines the impact of zero-dimensional compounds in the field of magnetic refrigeration, 20 years after the modern age of molecular magnetism began. The remarkable advances in this area are brought out here by an examination of 3d, 3d–4f and 4f molecular compounds and more recent polymeric materials; we then assess which of these shows most promise for this application.

Graphical abstract3-D or 0-D, which is best? The impact of zero-dimensional compounds in the field of magnetic refrigeration is assessed. Factors such as spin, anisotropy, magnetic coupling, density and topology are examined. The performance of more recent polymeric materials is then compared, suggesting one-, two, and three-dimensional materials can be markedly superior.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide