Engineering magnetic anisotropy and ferromagnetism in topological Kagome metal GdV6Sn6 via Nd substitution

Kagome metals with the formula RM6X6 (R = rare-earth, M = 3d transition metal, and X = Sn/Ge) provide a rich platform for exploring magnetic and electronic phenomena, with tunable properties enabled by the combination of rare-earth elements and transition metals. In this study, we report the structural, electrical and magnetic properties of Kagome metal (NdxGd1-x)V6Sn6. We demonstrate that substituting lighter Nd atoms at the Gd site tunes the complex magnetic ground state of GdV6Sn6 into a ferromagnetic-like one. Moreover, the isotropic magnetization of GdV6Sn6 becomes anisotropic, with the c-axis emerging as the easy axis. Transport measurements reveal a strong coupling between magnetism and electronic properties, with negative magnetoresistance observed at low magnetic fields in all compositions. In addition, a fourfold anisotropy component tends to emerge in end compounds at higher magnetic fields. These findings highlight the role of rare-earth substitution in tuning magnetic anisotropy and magneto-transport behaviour in RM6X6 compounds, featuring a non-magnetic Kagome layer, with potential implications for spintronic and topological applications.