One-dimensional BiFe1-xMnxO3 (x = 0 and 0.05) nanowires were prepared by electrospinning method to study the effects of Mn substitution on their crystal structure, particulate size, and magnetic properties. X-ray diffraction studies revealed a structural phase transitions from rhombohedral to orthorhombic with Mn-doping. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the nanofibers were composed of fine particulates with diameter of about 55 ± 5 nm in pure BiFeO3 and 40 ± 5 nm in 5 mole% Mn-doped BiFeO3 nanowires. The chemical state of Mn3+ and Mn4+ in Mn-doped BiFeO3 nanowires were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement. The magnetic hysteresis loops indicate soft ferromagnetic behavior in pure BiFeO3 and 5 mole% Mn-doped BiFeO3nanowires. With 5 mol% Mn doping in BiFeO3 nanowires, remnant magnetization increased from 0.279 to 0.378 emu/g at 10 K which is attributed to the structural phase transition from rhombohedral to orthorhombic phase and reduction of particulate size.

Keywords: Mn-doped BiFeO3 nanowires, Electrospinning, TEM, XPS, Magnetic property.