Optimization of Cation Exchange for the Separation of Actinium-225 from Radioactive Thorium, Radium-223 and Other Metals.

ABSTRACT: Actinium-225 (²²⁵Ac) can be produced with a linear accelerator by proton irradiation of a thorium (Th) target, but the Th also underdoes fission and produces 400 other radioisotopes. No research exists on optimization of the cation step for the purification. The research herein examines the optimization of the cation exchange step for the purification of ²²⁵Ac. The following variables were tested: pH of load solution (1.5-4.6); rinse steps with various concentrations of HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄, and combinations of HCl and HNO₃; various thorium chelators to block retention; MP50 and AG50 resins; and retention of 20-45 elements with different rinse sequences. The research indicated that HCl removes more isotopes earlier than HNO

SUBMITTER: Fitzsimmons J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6571705 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature