Polycrystalline MnBi as a transverse thermoelectric material

To assess the potential of polycrystalline MnBi as a transverse thermoelectric material, we have experimentally investigated its anomalous Nernst effect (ANE) by means of the heat flux method. We prepared MnBi samples by powder metallurgy; this technique allows the preparation of samples in arbitrary shapes with the possibility to tailor their magnetic properties. In the material exhibiting the highest remanent magnetization, we found a value of the ANE thermopower of -1.1 mu V/K at 1 T, after the compensation of the ordinary Nernst effect from pure bismuth present inside the polycrystalline sample. This value is comparable with those reported in the literature for single crystals.

Automated summary

In order to evaluate the potential of polycrystalline MnBi as a transverse thermoelectric material, we conducted experimental investigations of its anomalous Nernst effect (ANE) using the heat flux method. By employing powder metallurgy, we prepared MnBi samples that can be shaped as desired and their magnetic properties can be tailored. In the sample with the highest remanent magnetization, we measured an ANE thermopower of -1.1 mu V/K at 1 T, after compensating for the ordinary Nernst effect caused by pure bismuth present in the polycrystalline sample. This value is comparable to those reported for single crystals in the literature.