99mTc by 99Mo produced at the ENEA-FNG facility of 14 MeV neutrons. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Capogni, M.; Pietropaolo, A.; Quintieri, L.; Fazio, A.; De Felice, P.; Pillon, M.; Pizzuto, A.
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 134(2018:Apr.)
• Page Start: 105
• Page End: 107
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: 99mTc supply crisis -- 99Mo by 14 MeV neutrons -- Fluka Monte Carlo code -- γ-ray spectrometry; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.10.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: A severe supply crisis of 99 Mo, precursor of 99m Tc a diagnostic radionuclide largely used in Nuclear Medicine, occurred in 2008–2009 due to repeated shut-down of the two main (aged) fission reactors. An alternative route for producing 99 Mo by 100 Mo(n, 2n) 99 Mo reaction was investigated at ENEA. The experiment, designed according to Monte Carlo simulations performed with the Fluka code, produced 99 Mo by irradiating a natural Molybdenum powdered target with 14 MeV neutrons produced at the Frascati Neutron Generator. The 99 Mo specific activity was measured at metrological level by γ-ray spectrometry. Highlights: The problem of 99m Tc crisis in the world. 99 Mo production at ENEA via 14 MeV neutron beam. 99 Mo produced, identified and measured by γ-ray spectrometry. Fluka code for the design phase and its benchmarking. Perspectives on 99 Mo/ 99m Tc production by intense 14 MeV neutron beams.