With the advancement of the “carbon peak and carbon neutrality” goals, the importance of nuclear energy as a clean and low-carbon energy source has been increasingly recognized, and the issue of spent fuel safety protection has become progressively more critical. Neutron shielding materials play indispensable roles in the storage and transportation of spent fuel. Traditional neutron shielding materials for spent fuel storage primarily include boron steel, aluminium-boron alloys, and B4 C/Al composites. However, these materials have certain limitations, such as high density and insufficient mechanical properties. Currently, the development of lightweight, high-strength, easily deformable, and highly neutron-absorbing shielding materials has become a focal point within industry. Al-based neutron shielding materials containing Gd exhibit high specific strength and superior neutron absorption performance, making them a preferred choice for new integrated structural and functional shielding materials. On this basis, this paper systematically reviews the research on the compositional design and preparation processes of Al-based neutron shielding materials containing Gd, aiming to analyse the interrelationship between the composition, preparation, microstructure, and performance of such neutron shielding materials, and to promote the efficient storage of spent fuel and the safe development of China's nuclear industry.