Effect of Ni substitution on the structural, magnetic, and thermodynamic properties in Gd2−xNi<…

In this article, we report the various changes observed and studied experimentally and theoretically in the structural, magnetic, and thermodynamic properties of the G d 2 − x N i x I n ( 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 ) intermetallic compounds owing to the changes in the composition of N i substitution. The compound G d 1.6 N i 0.4 I n have many successive transitions with T N ≈ 102 K , T t ≈ 145 K , and T C ≈ 86 K , 190 K which are of second-order and seem to be a mixture of phase transitions of compounds G d 2 I n , G d N i I n , and some other compounds from the R E N i I n ( R E = Rare earth) family. Similar transitions have also been observed with smaller magnetic moments in other compounds from the system. The curves of Curie-Weiss temperature ( θ P ) and effective magnetic moment ( μ e f f ) for the changes in N i composition show declination at specific values. The critical analysis of the compounds with values of x = 0.4 , 0.6 finds it difficult to distinguish among the best fit theoretical models of critical exponents. Theoretical analysis using density functional theory is also in good agreement with the experimental findings confirming that G d is the major factor of magnetism in these compounds. • Existence of multiple successive magnetic phase transitions. • Wider working temperature range for magnetocaloric effect. • Peculiar changes in the Magnetic Moment. • Anisotropy and Spin-glass behaviour.