Synthesis of alumina ⁹⁹Mo-molybdate(VI) gel matrices and evaluation of ^99mTc elution performance

Abstract

Synthesis of a novel alumina 99 Momolybdate(VI) gel matrix of high Mo(VI) content and reproducible separation indices of the generated 99m Tc radionuclde are described and briefly discussed. Similar mixture solutes of aluminate and low specific activity 99 Mo-molybdate(VI) anions in concentrated NaOH are prepared. Then, the solutes are acidified with concentrated HCl, HNO 3 and/or H 2 SO 4 at pH 9.5-4.5. Physicochemical investigations indicate that molybdate(VI) anions are strongly adsorbed onto in situ-precipitated pseudoboehmite from acidic solutions than from basic solutions. The maximum adsorption % of 99 Mo (167 mg Mo/g matrix dried at 50 ∘ C) is achieved from the nitrate solution at pH 5.5. Separation of 99m Tc from the corresponding gel matrix with physiological saline solution exhibits high elution yield with a narrow elution profile and radionuclidic, radiochemical and chemical purity indices comparable with 99m Tc eluates from 99 Mo/ 99m Tc generators prepared by loading alumina with fission 99 Mo.