Alternative method for (64)Cu radioisotope production

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Chemistry
• Radiochemistry
• Medical Isotope Production

Background:

• Efficient production of Copper-64 (64Cu) is crucial for medical imaging and therapy.
• Traditional methods for 64Cu production using Nickel-64 (64Ni) targets can be costly and inefficient.
• Optimizing proton beam energy and target parameters is essential for economic viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an optimized method for 64Cu production from a 64Ni target using an 18MeV proton beam.
• To enhance cost-effectiveness by optimizing target utilization and 64Cu product purity.
• To investigate a novel target design for economic production of high-quality 64Cu.

Main Methods:

• Development of a 64Ni targetry method for 18MeV proton bombardment.
• Optimization studies focusing on target thickness and proton energy range (2.5-13MeV).
• Introduction of a thickness-specific 64Cu yield for cost-effective target utilization calculations.
• Design and implementation of a novel electroplated 64Ni target on an Au-Tl coated Cu-substrate.
• Application of ion exchange chromatography with gradient elution for 64Cu separation.

Main Results:

• A maximum target utilization efficacy factor (TUE) was achieved within a proton energy range of 2.5-13MeV with a target thickness of 36.2 micrometers.
• Optimized parameters resulted in a 45.6% saving in 64Ni target thickness, with only a 23.9% loss in 64Cu yield compared to using the full 0-18MeV range.
• The novel Au-Tl coated Cu-substrate target design proved effective in preventing copper leakage and optimizing proton energy.
• Ion exchange chromatography successfully improved 64Cu separation efficiency, reducing processing time and enhancing product quality control.

Conclusions:

• The developed method significantly reduces the amount of expensive 64Ni target material required, leading to substantial cost savings.
• The optimized targetry and novel target design enable economic production of high-quality 64Cu using standard cyclotrons.
• Improved separation techniques ensure efficient processing and high purity of the final 64Cu product for medical applications.