Gas-phase molybdenum-99 separation from uranium dioxide by fluoride volatility using nitrogen trifluoride

McNamara, Bruce K.; O'Hara, Matthew J.; Clark, Richard A.; Morrison, Samuel S.; Soderquist, Chuck Z.; Scheele, Randall D.

doi:10.1039/C9RA10270A

Title: Gas-phase molybdenum-99 separation from uranium dioxide by fluoride volatility using nitrogen trifluoride

Journal Article · 20 January 2020 · RSC Advances

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C9RA10270A · OSTI ID:1599144

^[1];

^[2]

Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Flibe Energy, Richland, WA (United States)

Production of the important ^99mTc medical isotope parent, molybdenum-99 (⁹⁹Mo), via the fissioning of high- and low-enriched uranium (HEU/LEU) targets followed by target dissolution in acid and solution-phase purification of ⁹⁹Mo is time-consuming, generates quantities of corrosive radioactive waste, and can result in the release of an array of radionuclides to the atmosphere. An alternative ⁹⁹Mo purification method has been devised that has the potential to alleviate many of these issues. Herein, we demonstrate the feasibility of a rapid Mo/Tc gas-phase separation from UO₂. The results indicate that volatile [⁹⁹Mo]Mo can be captured downstream of the reacted solid mixture on a column bed (trap) of alumina; the majority of the captured [⁹⁹Mo]Mo can be subsequently eluted from the alumina trap with a few milliliters of water. >1.0 × 10⁵ single pass decontamination of U and the collected [⁹⁹Mo]Mo product is demonstrated. This simple thermo-fluorination technique has the potential to provide a rapid methodology for routine ⁹⁹Mo production.

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Research Organization:: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-76RL01830

OSTI ID:: 1599144

Report Number(s):: PNNL-SA-148868

Journal Information:: RSC Advances, Journal Name: RSC Advances Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 10; ISSN 2046-2069; ISSN RSCACL

Publisher:: Royal Society of ChemistryCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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