Size-dependent magnetic and magnetothermal properties of gadolinium silicide nanoparticles.

Gadolinium silicide (GdSi) nanoparticles are an interesting class of materials due to their high magnetization, low Curie temperature, low toxicity in biological environments and their multifunctional properties. We report the magnetic and magnetothermal properties of gadolinium silicide (GdSi) nanoparticles prepared by surfactant-assisted ball milling of arc melted bulk ingots of the compound. Using different milling times and speeds, a wide range of crystallite sizes (13-43 nm) could be produced and a reduction in Curie temperature ( ) from 340 K to 317 K was achieved, making these nanoparticles suitable for self-controlled magnetic hyperthermia applications.