PhD: Development of Novel Synthesis and AI Optimization Methods for the Research of New Magnetocaloric Materials

This PhD project seeks to tackle existing challenges by embarking on exploratory research into new magnetocaloric intermetallic materials. These materials will incorporate magnetic 3d transition metals and a mixed anionic framework composed of P with Si or Al. Phosphides, silicides, and aluminides are particularly promising for magnetocaloric applications due to their abundant constituent elements, substantial magnetocaloric effect (e.g. MnFe(P,As), Fe3Mn2Si3), relatively low heat capacity, and high thermal conductivity. However, many ternary and most quaternary systems remain unexplored due to the challenging synthesis of compositions from elements with very different melting points. Additionally, the mixing of anionic atoms often results in complex crystal structures with exotic magnetic properties that have yet to be fully investigated.