Fission-Produced <sup>99</sup>Mo Without a Nuclear Reactor.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 27688474.
- Also identified by DOI 10.2967/jnumed.116.181040.
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Abstract
<sup>99</sup>Mo, the parent of the widely used medical isotope <sup>99m</sup>Tc, is currently produced by irradiation of enriched uranium in nuclear reactors. The supply of this isotope is encumbered by the aging of these reactors and concerns about international transportation and nuclear proliferation. <b>Methods:</b> We report results for the production of <sup>99</sup>Mo from the accelerator-driven subcritical fission of an aqueous solution containing low enriched uranium. The predominately fast neutrons generated by impinging high-energy electrons onto a tantalum convertor are moderated to thermal energies to increase fission processes. The separation, recovery, and purification of <sup>99</sup>Mo were demonstrated using a recycled uranyl sulfate solution. <b>Conclusion:</b> The <sup>99</sup>Mo yield and purity were found to be unaffected by reuse of the previously irradiated and processed uranyl sulfate solution. Results from a 51.8-GBq <sup>99</sup>Mo production run are presented.
Medical subject headings
- Molybdenum
- Nuclear Fission
- Particle Accelerators
- Radioisotopes
- Radionuclide Generators
- Uranium Compounds