Gd2Cu(SO4)2(OH)4: a 3d–4f hydroxysulfate with an enhanced cryogenic magnetocaloric effect†
Abstract
A 3d–4f hydroxysulfate, Gd2Cu(SO4)2(OH)4, is synthesized by means of a conventional hydrothermal method. Magnetic measurements confirm that the title compound exhibits a paramagnetic behavior down to 2 K, in which an enhanced magnetocaloric effect with a maximum −ΔSm (45.52(1) J kg−1 K−1, 212.8(6) mJ cm−3 K−1) is observed at ∼4 K for ΔH = 8 T. The thermal stability using TG analysis and a FT-IR spectrum are also investigated.