Enhanced magnetocaloric performance over a wide temperature range in Gd-Mn-Ni-Al amorphous/crystalline dual-phase composites

In this work, Gd x Mn 10 Ni 87-x Al 3 (x = 74, 77, 80) amorphous/crystalline dual-phase composites were designed and fabricated. All the studied ribbons exhibit an ultra-wide working temperature span of 200–250 K and undergo a second-order magnetic transition. Notably, the Gd 77 Mn 10 Ni 10 Al 3 ribbon shows a distinct table-like magnetocaloric curve over the temperature range of 160-270 K under a magnetic field change ( μ 0 Δ H ) of 5 T. For this optimal composition, the values of magnetic entropy change peak ( − ∆ S M pk ) and refrigeration capacity ( RC ) reach 5 .1 J kg -1 K -1 and 976 J kg -1 , respectively, at μ 0 Δ H = 5 T. These results demonstrate a high-performance magnetocaloric refrigerant suitable for the Ericsson refrigeration cycle, providing a promising candidate for magnetic refrigeration applications across a wide temperature range. • A series of Gd-Mn-Ni-Al amorphous/crystalline composites has been designed successfully. • All alloys exhibit an exceptionally wide working temperature span and large refrigeration capacity. • Gd 77 Mn 10 Ni 10 Al 3 alloy shows a table-like magnetocaloric curve within the temperature range of 160-270 K.