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The magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in Dy 2 Cu 2 In compound have been investigated. Dy 2 Cu 2 In undergoes two magnetic phase transitions, a paramagnetic to ferromagnetic (FM) at T C ∼ 49.5 K followed by a spin reorientation (SR) at T SR ∼ 19.5 K. For a magnetic field change of 0–7 T, the maximum values of the magnetic entropy change (−Δ S M max ) are estimated to be 16.5 around T C and 6.7 J/kg K around T SR with a large relative cooling power ( RCP ) value of 617 J/kg. The modified Arrott plots and universal curves of the rescaled Δ S M confirmed that the magnetic phase transitions in Dy 2 Cu 2 In compound belongs the second order phase transitions. The present results may provide some clues to search for new magnetocaloric materials belonging to RE 2 T 2 X system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic refrigeration (MR) by utilizing the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of magnetic solids has been considered a promising, environmentally benign, energy-efficient cooling technology. However, the lack of promising magnetic substances has slowed the development of its active application. To identify suitable candidate materials, we herein identified the structural and magnetic properties together with the MCE and magnetocaloric performances of rare earth (RE) rich RE 6 Ni 2.25 Al 0.75 (RE = Dy, Ho and Er) compounds. All the RE 6 Ni 2.25 Al 0.75 compounds are confirmed to crystallized in orthogonal Ho 6 Co 2 Ga-type structure and underwent paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic magnetic transitions. Moreover, large direct (conventional) and inverse MCEs have been observed in all the RE 6 Ni 2.25 Al 0.75 compounds. The values of peak magnetic entropy changes, temperature-averaged magnetic entropy changes with 5 K-lift and relative cooling powers under magnetic field change of 0–7 T are evaluated to be − 4.44 J/kg-K, − 4.38 J/kg-K and 230.6 J/kg for Dy 6 Ni 2.25 Al 0.75 , to be − 12.68 J/kg-K, − 12.26 J/kg-K and 378.2 J/kg for Ho 6 Ni 2.25 Al 0.75 , and to be − 17.52 J/kg-K, − 17.33 J/kg-K and 465.7 J/kg for Er 6 Ni 2.25 Al 0.75 , respectively. • The RE6Ni2.25Al0.75 (RE = Dy, Ho and Er) compounds are fabricated. • The structural and magnetic properties were investigated. • Large direct and inverse magnetocaloric effects were observed. • The Er6Ni2.25Al0.75 is considerable for cryogenic magnetic refrigeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]