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Electric field control of the magnetocaloric effect
Yuan-Yuan Gong1, Dun-Hui Wang, Qing-Qi Cao
1National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nano Technology, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P.R. China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P.R. China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|December 19, 2014
Summary
Electric fields control the magnetocaloric effect in ferromagnetic shape-memory alloys. This overcomes limitations for efficient active magnetic refrigeration, offering a promising new technology.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Magnetism
Background:
- Magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in ferromagnetic shape-memory alloys (FSMA) offers potential for magnetic refrigeration.
- Controlling MCE typically involves magnetic fields, facing challenges like hysteresis and narrow operating temperature ranges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate electric field control of the magnetocaloric effect in FSMA.
- To overcome hysteresis and expand the operating temperature region for MCE applications.
- To propose a model for an efficient active magnetic refrigerator.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing strain-mediated magnetoelectric coupling.
- Employing a laminate structure composed of a piezoelectric material and an FSMA.
- Applying an electric field to the laminate structure.
Main Results:
- Successful control of the magnetocaloric effect in FSMA via an electric field.
- Significant reduction of hysteresis and broadening of the operating temperature range.
- Demonstration of overcoming key limitations of traditional MCE materials.
Conclusions:
- Electric field control offers a viable pathway to enhance MCE in FSMAs.
- The proposed laminate structure and method pave the way for efficient active magnetic refrigeration.
- This approach presents a novel strategy for next-generation cooling technologies.
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