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Development of a high performance (188)W/(188)Re generator by using a synthetic alumina
Jun Sig Lee1, Jong-Soup Lee, Ul-Jae Park
1Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 1045 Daeduk-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-353, Republic of Korea. jlee15@kaeri.re.kr
Summary
A novel sulfate-functionalized alumina adsorbent demonstrates high capacity for tungsten, enabling efficient production of technetium-99m (99mTc) and rhenium-188 (188Re) generators with high radiochemical purity.
Area of Science:
- Radiochemistry
- Materials Science
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Development of efficient radioisotope generators is crucial for medical applications.
- Existing generator materials face limitations in capacity and purity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel synthetic alumina adsorbent for (99)Mo/(99m)Tc and (188)W/(188)Re generators.
- To evaluate the performance of this adsorbent in (188)W/(188)Re separation and elution.
Main Methods:
- Sol-gel synthesis of sulfate-functionalized alumina.
- Batch and column adsorption experiments for tungsten (W).
- Demonstration of a (188)W/(188)Re generator column performance over three months.
Main Results:
- Adsorbent exhibits a maximum tungsten capacity exceeding 450 mg/g.
- Generator columns produced high-quality (188)Re with 70-90% elution efficiency and minimal tungsten contamination (<0.003%).
- Eluted (188)Re solution demonstrated 100% radiochemical purity and low alumina content (<10 ppm).
Conclusions:
- Sulfate-functionalized alumina is a highly effective adsorbent for (188)W/(188)Re generators.
- This material allows for smaller generator columns and reduced eluant volumes while maintaining high (188)Re quality.
- The developed adsorbent shows significant potential for improving radioisotope generator technology.
