The study of multicaloric effects in Heusler alloys has
attracted
increasing research interest, fueled by their potential applications
in solid-state refrigeration and energy conversion technologies. Despite
the promising aspects, challenges such as the limited operating temperature
range and large hysteresis have hindered the optimal device performance.
Herein, by introducing a Cu/Sn co-substitution strategy, a Curie temperature
window for synergic magnetostructural transformation is extended from
244 K to 313 K in the customized NiMnCuGaSn alloys, along with a substantial
increase in transformation entropy change. Crucially, employing a
combined approach of magnetic-field-stress loading and zero-field-stress
unloading significantly reduces stress hysteresis and enhances the
reversibility of the transformation, resulting in a significant adiabatic
temperature change of 4.7 K at a relatively low critical stress. This
approach underscores an efficient method to enhance caloric responses,
paving the way for advances in cooling technologies.