Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of La0.6Pr0.1Sr0.3Mn1−xFexO3 (0≤x≤0.3) manganites

The La0.6Pr0.1Sr0.3Mn1−xFexO3 (x=0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) samples have been elaborated by the solid-state reaction method. X-ray powder diffraction shows that all the samples crystallize in a rhombohedric phase with R3¯c space group. The variation of magnetization as a function of temperature and applied magnetic field was carried out. The samples for x=0 and 0.1 exhibit a FM–PM transition at the Curie temperature TC, however, for x=0.2 and 0.3 exhibit an AFM–PM one at the Neel temperature TN, when the temperature increases. A magneto-caloric effect has been calculated in terms of isothermal magnetic entropy change. A large magneto-caloric effect has been observed, the maximum entropy change, |ΔSMmax|, reaches the highest value of 3.28 J/kgK under a magnetic field change of 5 T with an RCP value of 220 J/kg for La0.6Pr0.1Sr0.3MnO3 composition, which will be an interesting compound for application materials working as magnetic refrigerants near room temperature. - Graphical abstract: Magnetic entropy change versus temperature and applied magnetic field for x=0.1 (a) and RCP versus applied magnetic field for x=0, 0.1 (b). - Highlights: • The La0.6Pr0.1Sr0.3Mn1−xFexO3 (0≤x≤0.3) polycrystalline samples were prepared by the solid state reaction method. • Crystalline and magnetic structures were investigated using DRX and magnetization measurements. • The magnetocaloric (MC) effect was estimated versus magnetic field and temperatures. • Compounds with x=0, 0.1 exhibit great potential for magnetic refrigeration at room temperature