New sorbents for 99Mo/99mTc generators
99mTc is the medically most applied radioactive isotope, accounting for nearly 80% of all nuclear diagnostic tests. It is supplied in the clinics from isotope generators. These generators contain a sorbent that tightly binds molybdenum-99 ions. 99Mo decays with a half-life of 66 h to 99mTc, which can be regularly eluted from the sorbent in the form of 99mTcO4-.
This research project studies the characteristics of different sorbent materials. An increase of adsorption capacities for molybdenum will have large impact on the preparation of 99Mo/99mTc generators. One reason for that is that it will allow reduction of generator size and thus costs. But an even more important reason is that it will enable the usage of 99Mo produced by alternative routes to the commercial uranium fission routes (less nuclear waste, no risk of proliferation).
This project is meant for master or bachelor students with chemical background.
Students will be trained to work safely with radiation and are expected to complete a very short Radiation Safety course for which they will receive an officially recognized certificate.
For more information and details please contact Dr. ir. Robin de Kruijff (R.M.deKruijff@tudelft.nl).