Atomic-scale structure of gadolinium in nanocrystalline fluorapatite from marine sediments

Key Points

• The study aims to investigate the atomic-scale structure of gadolinium in nanocrystalline fluorapatite found in marine sediments.
• Analyzed deep-sea sediments containing biogenic fluorapatite nanocrystals
• Examined the bonding environment and structure at atomic scale
• Identified critical rare-earth elements sequestered in the apatite-type structure
• Gadolinium is present within a defective apatite bonding environment
• Nanocrystals exhibit a complex structure within an amorphous matrix
• Significant quantities of rare-earth elements are noted in the sediments