Insights into phase transitions and magnetism of MnBi crystals synthesized from self-flux

Abstract

To effectively synthesize high purity ferromagnetic low temperature phase (LTP) MnBi with optimal microstructure is still a challenge that needs to be overcome for the system to reach its full potential. Here, the phase transitions and magnetic properties of MnBi crystals are reported. The phase transition between the low and high temperature structure of MnBi was systematically investigated at different heating/cooling rates using in situ synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction. The material crystallizes in a layered hexagonal structure giving a platelike microstructure. The magnetic characterization of the crystals reveal that the saturation magnetization varies from 645 kA/m at 50 K to 546 kA/m at 300 K. Magnetization measurements also show that the sample upon heating becomes non-magnetic and transforms to the high temperature phase (HTP) at ∼640 K, and that it regains ferromagnetic properties and transforms back to the LTP at ∼610 K upon subsequent cooling.