Advanced prospects for the preparation of zirconium [99Mo]molybdate(VI) gel from diluted reactants and 99mTc elution performance

Abstract

Zirconium [⁹⁹Mo]molybdate(VI) gel (ZrMo) was prepared from dilute mixed solutions of zirconium oxychloride and [⁹⁹Mo]molybdate at pH 4.7. Paramolybdate(VI) anions were attracted to the positively charged surface of zirconia(IV) particulates (PZC at pH 7.2). The postulated reaction mechanism and gel formula were verified by radiometric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, TGA, DTA, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence analysis. ^99mTc elution from ZrMo dried at 50 and 200°C was investigated. Reproducibly high ^99mTc elution yield with high levels of radionuclidic, radiochemical, and chemical purity was achieved from the gel dried at 50°C. Correlation between structural properties of ZrMo and ^99mTc elution performance was discussed.