Abstract

High temperature phase (HTP) MnBi alloys were formed using the arc-melting method. The drastic difference in the melting points of Mn and Bi resulted in non-homogeneity. The MnBi, Mn, Bi and O were detected by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) revealed the morphology of each phase. The rod-like and flower-like nanostructures were consistent with Bi<inf>2</inf> O<inf>3</inf> as indicated by EDS and X-ray diffactometry. The HTP MnBi was transformed to the low temperature phase (LTP) following the annealing process. The remaining Bi and Mn are susceptible to oxidation leading to the subsequent formation of Bi<inf>2</inf> O<inf>3</inf> as well as MnO. Whereas LTP MnBi alloys are useful for their hard magnetic properties, Bi<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> nanowire is receiving attention for potential applications in optoelectronic devices.