Optimization of (Gd)5Si4 based materials: A step toward self-controlled hyperthermia applications

Structural and magnetic properties have been studied across the Gd5(Si1−xGex)4 and (Gd1−xRx)5Si4 series, with R=Ce Nd, Er, and Ho, in the context of their use as ferromagnetic materials in the self-controlled hyperthermia treatment of cancer. The study shows that these materials have high magnetization values and their magnetic ordering temperatures (TC) can be varied linearly over a broad range by adjusting the composition of the constituent elements. The magnetization values of these materials are close to the bulk value of α-Fe and are substantially higher than other transition metal and Fe based magnetic materials, e.g., oxide and ferrites. The high magnetization and optimality of TC values for self-controlled hyperthermia applications observed in these materials distinguish them as magnetic material of choice for such applications.