Synthesis of magnetic GdC$_{2}$ nanoparticles using cavitation plasma

Gadolinium dicarbide (GdC$_{2})$ nanoparticles were synthesized using Gd electrodes in toluene. Gd nanoparticles are formed in plasma caused due to collapse of cavitation bubbles using ultrasonication in electric field between Gd wire electrodes. The presence of a single phase of GdC$_{2}$ nanocrystals have been determined by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The GdC$_{2}$ nanoparticles have tetragonal crystal structure. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) shows that the nanoparticles range in size of 4-45 nm in diameter. Magnetization measurements performed using a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) magnetometer shows GdC$_{2\, }$nanoparticles are paramagnetic in nature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first synthesis of GdC$_{2}$ in single phase form, allowing further characterization of physical properties.