Physical properties and possible applications of gold-based rare earth intermetallics (R-Au): A review

This article explores, research and developments of various physical properties such as structural, thermal, magnetic, elastic, thermodynamic and thermoelectric of cubic rare-earth-gold equiatomic R-Au intermetallics (R = Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu) of CsCI structure. These materials have the highest melting points and are also very hard among the known lanthanide intermetallics. The purpose of this review is to shed light on the physical properties of these least studied materials and also encourage researchers to evaluate them for their possible high-tech applications. Furthermore, this study will provide reference data for the future experimental/theoretical work on these intermetallics and will help in identifying the gaps in the current status of knowledge about these compounds.