Crystal structure, magnetic phase transitions and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in layer-like RE11Ni4In9 (RE = Gd, Dy and Ho) compounds.

The layer-like RE 11 Ni 4 In 9 (RE = Gd, Dy and Ho) intermetallic compounds were successfully fabricated and systematically investigated concerning crystal structure, magnetic phase transitions and magnetocaloric effect (MCE). The RE 11 Ni 4 In 9 compounds crystallize in layer-like orthorhombic crystal structure (Cmmm space group) which is composed of CsCl-type and AlB 2 -type units with the ratio of 9 : 2. The RE 11 Ni 4 In 9 compounds present multiple magnetic phase transitions at low temperature. Except for the phase transition at low temperature region, the major phase transitions of the present series compounds are of second-ordered phase transitions (SOPTs). Around the magnetic phase transition temperatures at 91, 18 and 13.5 K for Gd 11 Ni 4 In 9 , Dy 11 Ni 4 In 9 and Ho 11 Ni 4 In 9 compounds, the values of peak magnetic entropy change (− Δ S M max) with magnetic flux density change Δ H = 0–7 T and the temperature averaged magnetic entropy change with 3 K lift are 3.58 and 3.55 J/kg-K, 6.02 and 5.94 J/kg-K, as well as 12.44 and 12.25 J/kg-K for Gd 11 Ni 4 In 9 , Dy 11 Ni 4 In 9 and Ho 11 Ni 4 In 9 compounds, respectively. The corresponding relative cooling power (refrigerant capacity) values are 269.0 (206.4), 194.9 (144.7), and 353.0 (269.2) J/kg, respectively. • The RE 11 Ni 4 In 9 (RE = Gd, Dy and Ho) intermetallic compounds are fabricated. • Magnetic properties and MCE in RE 11 Ni 4 In 9 amorphous ribbon were studied. • Considerable MCE parameters were observed at low temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]