In the quest for efficient magnetic refrigeration, a team of researchers led by B. Shanta from the University of Science and Technology of China has uncovered promising properties in rare earth borates that could revolutionize the energy sector. Their findings, published in the *Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices* (translated from Chinese as *Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices*), shed light on the magnetocaloric effect in frustrated magnetic oxides, offering a glimpse into future cooling technologies.
The study focuses on two rare earth borates, GdBO3 and YbBO3, which were synthesized using the traditional solid-state method. These compounds, crystallizing in a monoclinic structure, exhibited intriguing magnetic behaviors. “We found that these compounds show a paramagnetic-like behavior at low temperatures, but also exhibit weak short-range antiferromagnetic couplings,” explains Shanta. This dual nature suggests a complex interplay of magnetic interactions that could be harnessed for advanced cooling applications.
The magnetocaloric effect, which describes the change in temperature of a magnetic material when subjected to a changing magnetic field, was thoroughly investigated. The researchers measured the magnetic entropy change (-ΔSm) and adiabatic temperature change (ΔTad) for both compounds. GdBO3 showed a significant -ΔSm of 10.8 J mol−1 K−1 for a field change from 0 to 7 T at 2 K, while YbBO3 exhibited a lower value of 4.9 J mol−1 K−1 under the same conditions. Notably, GdBO3 demonstrated an adiabatic temperature change of 3.3 K and 7.9 K for field changes of 0–3 T and 0–7 T, respectively.
These findings highlight the potential of GdBO3 as a competitive magnetocaloric material, particularly in the liquid helium temperature range. “Our results indicate that GdBO3 could be a more efficient material for magnetic refrigeration at low temperatures,” says Shanta. This could have profound implications for the energy sector, where efficient cooling is crucial for various applications, from industrial processes to consumer electronics.
The study also reveals distinct magnetic anisotropy for different rare-earth ions, as evidenced by isothermal magnetization and heat capacity measurements. This suggests that REBO3 compounds are a promising system for exploring a variety of magnetic ground states. “The unique magnetic properties of these materials open up new avenues for research and development in the field of magnetic refrigeration,” adds Shanta.
As the world seeks more sustainable and energy-efficient technologies, the findings from Shanta’s team offer a promising path forward. By leveraging the magnetocaloric effect in frustrated magnetic oxides, the energy sector could see significant advancements in cooling technologies, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. The research published in the *Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices* not only expands our understanding of magnetic materials but also paves the way for innovative solutions in the energy sector.