Gd₂O₃ and Gd₂O₃-Based Nanostructures: Role of Anions, Solvents, Temperature, Etc. in the Synthesis, Structure, Morphology, and Properties

Gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) and Gd2O3-based materials have been attracting a lot of attention due to their unique and excellent properties arising from their 4f orbitals. Gd2O3 is a commonly used material in the clinical diagnosis process, as well as environmental remediation. This significantly resulted in the preparation of ultrasmall Gd2O3 particles, which are suitable and compatible for biomedical applications. Moreover, this has also shown higher efficiency in photocatalytic activities. Thus, several synthesis methods have been employed to produce applicable and functional Gd2O3, considering the synthesis reaction factors, such as the type of precursor salts used, the type of solvent used, the reaction temperature, and the reaction time. Therefore, in this review, the effects of different anions, different solvents, and synthesis methods, as well as reaction temperature and reaction time, are discussed in depth.