Mechanism of Mo-99 adsorption and Tc-99m elution from zirconium-based material in Mo-99/Tc-99m generator column using neutron-irradiated natural molybdenum

摘要

The Mo-99 adsorption and Tc-99m elution mechanism were investigated using SEM-EDS to analyze the elemental composition of the adsorbent surfaces. From the changes of element composition, it was found that molybdate ions were adsorbed into the adsorbent by ion exchange with Cl- ion in the material. It was also revealed that Tc-99m can be eluted in high oxidation state since the Tc-99m in lower oxidation state easily made coordination bonds with other elements in the adsorbent.