Abstract
Abstract
This study explores the magnetic and magnetotransport behavior of polycrystalline ErAl3 compound. The polycrystalline compound adopts HoAl3-type structures with the R-3m space group, No. 166-2 and hR60 configurations. Multiple magnetic orderings and two field-induced metamagnetic transitions are observed. ErAl3 exhibits a significant magnetocaloric effect (MCE),
−
Δ
S
M
= 15.25 J kg−1 K−1 and high relative cooling power of 383 J kg−1 with applied magnetic field change (ΔH) of 70 kOe near the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition, showcasing its potential for magnetic refrigeration technology. The compound also demonstrates metallic behavior, with a notable magnetoresistance of 48.5
%
at 2 K due to the suppression of antiferromagnetism. The magnetic phase diagram reveals four distinct phases influenced by temperature and magnetic field, identified through the study of the MCE.
Funder
Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India