Mean-Field Study of Magnetic Properties and Magnetocaloric Effect in Iron(III) Nitride-Based Antiperovskite Materials

Abstract

We investigated the magnetic, magnetocaloric, and hysteresis characteristics of the antiperovskite material Fe\(_{3}\)ZnN by employing the mean-field approximation method. The findings indicate that magnetization gradually declines with rising temperature, whereas the application of an external magnetic field elevates the critical temperature \(T_{c}\) by promoting greater alignment of the magnetic moments. A peak in the magnetic entropy change \(-\Delta S_{m}\), at \(T_{c}\), indicating a significant magnetocaloric effect, ideal for magnetic refrigeration applications. Additionally, the relative cooling power (RCP) exhibits a linear increase with the strength of the magnetic field. The hysteresis analysis reveals a gradual decrease in coercivity and remanence with rising temperature, ultimately leading to the disappearance of the hysteresis loop above \(T_{c}\), signaling a transition to the paramagnetic phase. These findings suggest that the Fe\(_{3}\)ZnN compound holds promise as a candidate material for magnetic refrigeration applications.