AlFe2–x Co x B2 (x = 0–0.30): T C Tuning through Co Substitution for a Promising Magnetocaloric Material Realized by Spark Plasma Sintering

AlFe₂B₂ and AlFe_2-xCo_xB₂ (x = 0-0.30) were synthesized from the elements in three different ways. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinements, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. Using Al flux the formation of AlFe₂B₂ single crystals is preferred. Arc melting enables the substitution of ∼6% Co. This substitution of Fe by Co decreases the Curie temperature T_C from 290 to 240 K. …