Influence of Mn content on the magnetic properties of the hexagonal Mn(Co,Ge)2 phase

Herein, we report on the effect of Mn content on the magnetic properties of the hexagonal Mn(Co,Ge)2 with composition Mn36+xCo49-xGe15.This compound was previously described as Mn2Co3Ge (MgZn2-type structure), but later as Mn(Co,Ge)2 with its own structure type, all samples in this work follow the same superstructure model. Samples were synthesized by induction melting, the crystal structures were evaluated using a combination of X-ray diffraction together with scanning electron microscopy equipped and an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detector. The Curie temperature (TC) is shifted towards lower temperature as the Mn content is increased. On the other hand, the spin reorientation temperature (TSRT) increases and the magnetic moment decreases as the Mn content is increased. The magnetocaloric properties were investigated for the x=1 alloy, Mn37Co48Ge15. It was found that the isothermal entropy change is 2 J kg−1 K−1 at room temperature for an applied field of 5 T.