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

Abstract

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.