Gas-phase molybdenum-99 separation from uranium dioxide by fluoride volatility using nitrogen trifluoride
Bruce K McNamara1, Matthew J O'Hara1, Richard A Clark1
1Pacific Northwest National Laboratory PO Box 902, Battelle Blvd Richland Wa 99352 USA bruce.mcnamara@pnnl.gov.
RSC Advances
|May 2, 2022
Summary
A new gas-phase separation method offers a faster way to purify molybdenum-99 (99Mo), the parent isotope for technetium-99m (99mTc) medical imaging. This technique reduces radioactive waste and atmospheric release compared to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Radiochemistry
- Isotope Production
Background:
- Traditional molybdenum-99 (99Mo) production involves uranium fission and solution-phase purification.
- Current methods are time-consuming, generate significant radioactive waste, and risk radionuclide release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a rapid gas-phase separation technique for 99Mo purification.
- To overcome the limitations of conventional solution-phase purification methods.
Main Methods:
- A novel thermo-fluorination technique was employed for gas-phase separation of 99Mo from uranium dioxide (UO2).
- Volatile 99Mo was captured on an alumina column trap and subsequently eluted with water.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the feasibility of rapid Mo/Tc gas-phase separation from UO2.
- Achieved >1.0 × 10^5 single pass decontamination of uranium.
- Successfully eluted the purified 99Mo product from the alumina trap using a small volume of water.
Conclusions:
- The developed gas-phase separation method is a viable alternative for 99Mo purification.
- This technique offers a rapid, efficient, and potentially safer approach for routine 99Mo production.
- The method significantly reduces radioactive waste and the risk of atmospheric radionuclide release.
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