Towards the production of carrier-free 99Mo by neutron activation of 98Mo in molybdenum hexacarbonyl –Szilard-Chalmers enrichment. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Dorp, Jan Willem J.; Mahes, Dravin S.; Bode, Peter; Wolterbeek, Hubert T.; Denkova, Antonia G.; Serra-Crespo, Pablo
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 140(2018:Oct.)
• Page Start: 138
• Page End: 145
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2018.06.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: The neutron irradiation of molybdenum hexacarbonyl has been systematically studied to identify possible improvements for the production of molybdenum-99. After irradiation, the targets were dissolved in dichloromethane, and Szilard-Chalmers liquid-liquid extraction was carried out with aqueous extractants. The effects of the irradiation time, the aqueous phase composition and the irradiated mass were studied with a focus on the chemistry involved. Stable extraction yields of 20% were obtained with enrichment decreasing with target decomposition. Improved enrichment requires decreased decomposition. Highlights: 99 Mo yield depends on recombination processes and the extractant. 98 Mo mass transfer depends on target decomposition, concentration and the extractant. Enrichment depends mainly on the target decomposition.