Optimal uni-axial ferromagnetism in (La,Ce)$_2$Fe$_{14}$B for permanent magnets

Abstract

Prospects for light-rare-earth-based permanent magnet compound R$_{2}$Fe$_{14}$B (R=La$_{1-x}$Ce$_{x}$ with $0 \le x\le 1$) are inspected from first principles referring to the latest experimental data. Ce-rich 2:14:1 compounds come with good structure stability, reasonably good combination of magnetization and magnetic anisotropy, while a drawback lies in the low Curie temperature that is only 120~K above the room temperature at the Ce$_2$Fe$_{14}$B limit. Best compromise is inspected on the basis of ab initio data for (La$_{1-x}$Ce$_{x}$)$_2$Fe$_{14}$B referring to the magnetic properties of the champion magnet compound Nd$_{2}$Fe$_{14}$B and prerequisite conditions imposed by practical utility.