Chemical separation

Chemical Separation of 99Mo from 98Mo                       Persbericht

Team: Prof.dr. Bert Wolterbeek, Dr.ir. Peter Bode

This invention makes it possible to isolate the medical isotope Mo-99 from an irradiated Molybdenum compound. Chemically identical isotopes of an element can still be separated from each other by irradiating them with neutrons. The isotopes catching the neutrons will get enough energy to break the bond with their compound.

Mo-99 decays to Technetium-99m, the most utilized medical radioisotope in the world, used for 20-25 million diagnostic (cancer related) procedures annually. The availability of Mo-99 is of worldwide concern because of the planned shutdown of the main reactors producing Mo-99 by fission of uranium.

The quality of Mo-99 is equal, when compared to currently used fission process methods. More producers will be able to supply to the market, because there is no need for precautions related to the proliferation of enriched uranium targets are, and considerable less radioactive waste is produced.
This invention will contribute to a better continuity of Mo-99 availability worldwide, and treatment of patients will not have to be postponed or even cancelled anymore.