Development of Porous MoO₂ Pellet Target for ⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc Generator

Technetium-99m(^99mTc) is used worldwide in 85% of nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging procedures. We developed porous MoO₂ pellets as an alternative to reactor-based targets in an (n,γ) reaction for producing Technetium-99m (^99mTc) in nuclear medicine. The pellets, formed through a manufacturing process involving mixing, sintering, eluting, and drying, offer advantages such as selective dissolution and improved yield. This research offers a potential solution for stable ^99mTc production, focusing on porous molybdenum dioxide (MoO₂) as a target material due to its insolubility in water. Using potassium molybdate (K₂MoO₄) as a pore former, we developed porous MoO₂ pellets that facilitate efficient technetium extraction and target recycling. This approach offers control over pore formation and shows promise in addressing supply challenges and enhancing ^99mTc production.