Magnetic anisotropy and entropy change in trigonal Cr5Te8

We present a comprehensive investigation of the anisotropic magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of quasi-two-dimensional weak itinerant ferromagnet trigonal ${\mathrm{Cr}}_{5}{\mathrm{Te}}_{8}$ single crystals. Magnetic-anisotropy-induced satellite transition ${T}^{*}$ is observed at low fields applied parallel to the $ab$ plane below the Curie temperature (${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\sim}230\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$). ${T}^{*}$ is featured by an anomalous magnetization downturn, similar to that in structurally related ${\mathrm{CrI}}_{3}$, which possibly stems from an in-plane antiferromagnetic alignment induced by out-of-plane ferromagnetic spins canting. Magnetocrystalline anisotropy is also reflected in magnetic entropy change $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{S}_{M}(T,H)$ and relative cooling power. Given the high Curie temperature, ${\mathrm{Cr}}_{5}{\mathrm{Te}}_{8}$ crystals are materials of interest for nanofabrication in basic science and applied technology.