Computational Optimization of MnBi to Enhance Energy Product

TL;DR

This study explores alloying MnBi with various elements using high-throughput density functional theory to identify stable, high-performance, earth-abundant magnet materials for energy-efficient applications.

Contribution

It systematically evaluates all possible elemental alloying options for MnBi, identifying stable alloys with enhanced magnetic properties using computational methods.

Findings

MnBi alloys with Pd, Pt, Rh, Li, and O are stable and have improved magnetic properties.

Alloying can significantly increase magnetization and energy product of MnBi.

The approach enables rapid screening of potential high-performance magnetic materials.

Abstract

High energy density magnets are preferred over induction magnets for many applications, including electric motors used in flying rovers, electric vehicles, and wind turbines. However, several issues related to cost and supply with state-of-the-art rare-earth-based magnet necessities development of high-flux magnets containing low cost, earth-abundant materials. Here, we demonstrate the possibility of tuning magnetization and magnetocrystalline anisotropy of one of the candidate materials, MnBi, by alloying it with foreign elements. By using the density functional theory in the high-throughput fashion, we consider the possibility of alloying MnBi with all possible metal and non-metal elements in the periodic table and found that MnBi-based alloys with Pd, Pt, Rh, Li, and O are stable against decomposition to constituent elements and have larger magnetization, energy product compared and magnetic anisotropy compared to MnBi We consider the possibility of these elements occupying half and all of the available empty sites. Combined with other favorable properties of MnBi, such as high Curie temperature and earth abundancy of constituents elements, we envision the possibility of MnBi-based high-energy-density magnets.