Microstructure and fundamental properties of nanostructured gadolinium (Gd)

The nanoparticles and nanocrystalline bulk of pure gadolinium (Gd) were prepared by a novel route. The nanostructures of the single particle and the bulk of Gd were investigated, and the crystal structure was characterized. The fundamental properties, namely the physical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics, were studied for the prepared Gd bulk with an ultrafine nanograin structure. As compared with the conventional polycrystalline metal, the ultrafine nanocrystalline Gd has greatly enhanced functional and structural properties. The physical background for the changes of the fundamental properties with the reduction of the grain size to the nanoscale was analyzed.