Predicting the magnetocaloric properties in La0.5Sm0.2Sr0.3Mn1-xCrxO3 (0≤x≤0.20) manganites through critical behavior

Abstract

This study explores the critical behavior and magnetocaloric properties of La_0.5Sm_0.2Sr_0.3Mn_1-xCr_xO₃ manganites, with a focus on the novel effect of Cr doping (x = 0, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2) on magnetic phase transitions and magnetocaloric response. Unlike previous works, this study provides new insights by revealing how chromium substitution alters the critical exponents γ and β, using modified Arrott plots (MAPs) and the Kouvel–Fisher method, resulting in a deviation from mean-field theory and suggesting a shift in the universality class. These findings underscore the novel impact of Cr on magnetic ion interactions and lattice structure. Furthermore, this research uniquely examines the effect of Cr doping on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE), showing that increasing Cr content tailors the magnetic entropy change − ∆S_M(T) and the Temperature-Averaged Entropy Change (TEC), enhancing the potential of these materials for magnetic refrigeration. This work significantly contributes to the optimization of manganites for applications in magnetic cooling, spintronics, and temperature-sensitive sensors.