Magnetic transitions with magnetocaloric effects near room temperature related to structural transitions in Y0.9Pr0.1Fe2D3.5 deuteride

• The structural and magnetic properties of Y0.9Pr0.1Fe2D3.5 deuteride have been investigated by synchrotron and neutron diffraction, magnetic measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry. Deuterium insertion induces a 23.5% cell volume increase and a lowering of crystal symmetry compared to the cubic C15 Y0.9Pr0.1Fe2 parent compound (Fd-3m SG). The deuteride is monoclinic (P2(1)/c SG) below 330 K and undergoes a first-order transition between 330 and 350 K toward a pseudo-cubic structure (R-3 m SG) with TO-D = 342(2) K. In both structures, the D atoms are located in 96% R2Fe2 and 4% RFe3 tetrahedral interstitial sites (R = Y0.9Pr0.1). The compound is ferromagnetic, accompanied by a magnetostrictive effect below T-C = 274 K. The analysis of the critical exponents indicates a second-order type transition with a deviation from the isotropic 3D Heisenberg model toward the 3D XY model. This implies an easy plane of magnetization in agreement with cell parameter variation showing planar magnetic orientation. A weak magnetic peak is even observed at the order-disorder transition with a maximum at 343 K. Magnetic entropy variations are characteristic of direct and inverse magnetocaloric effects at T-C and TO-D, respectively.

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NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Den kondenserade materiens fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Condensed Matter Physics (hsv//eng)

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