Laser and plasma methods for fabrication and magnetic properties of gadolinium silicide nanopowders

In this paper the capabilities of two plasma-assisted techniques (laser ablation and electrical discharges in liquids) for fabrication of gadolinium silicide nanoparticles have been investigated. The composition, morphology and magnetic properties of the particles formed under various experimental conditions have been analyzed. The synthesized Gd–Si particles exhibit the superparamagnetic behavior promising for application in the method of magnetic hyperthermia treatment.