172Hf → 172Lu Radionuclide Generator Based on a Reverse-Tandem Separation Scheme

Abstract

The distribution coefficients of Hf(IV) and Lu(III) between Dowex 50W×8 cation exchanger or Dowex 1×8 anion exchanger and mixed HCl–H₂C₂O₄ solutions and between Dowex 50W×8 cation exchanger or Dowex 1×8 anion exchanger and citric acid solutions were determined. A number of modifications of the ¹⁷²Hf → ¹⁷²Lu generator, based on reverse separation schemes, were examined. Systems consisting of an anion-exchange resin and a solution of appropriate organic acid were taken as a chemical basis of the generator. Irreversible sorption of ¹⁷²Lu in generator columns was studied. The optimum operation mode of the ¹⁷²Hf → ¹⁷²Lu generator based on the reverse-tandem scheme with periodic transfer of the parent radionuclide into the liquid phase was determined.