Studies on separation and purification of fission 99Mo from neutron activated uranium aluminum alloy

A new method has been developed for separation and purification of fission Mo-99 from neutron activated uranium-aluminum alloy. Alkali dissolution of the irradiated target (100 mg) results in aluminum along with Mo-99 and a few fission products passing into solution, while most of the fission products, activation products and uranium remain undissolved. Subsequent purification steps involve precipitation of aluminum as Al(OH)(3), iodine as AgI/AgIO3 and molybdenum as Mo-alpha-benzoin oxime. Ruthenium is separated by volatilization as RuO4 and final purification of Mo-99 was carried out using anion exchange method. The radiochemical yield of fission Mo-99 was found to be > 80% and the purity of the product was in conformity with the international pharmacopoeia standards. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.