One column operation for (90)Sr/(90)Y separation by using a functionalized-silica

Appl Radiat Isot. 2009 Jul-Aug;67(7-8):1332-5. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2009.02.029. Epub 2009 Feb 20.

Abstract

Organo-ceramic hybrid materials have been developed as the separation media for a (90)Sr/(90)Y generator system. Currently available (90)Y is generally extracted from a mother solution by a solvent extraction or a successive column operation. Both processes are successfully applied to produce (90)Y with a high quality standard. However, such processes are highly dependent on what kind of extracting materials are employed. Hence, some of the previously developed technologies are not adequate for a (90)Y production because of a waste generation or leaching of radiolytic end-products from the extracting materials. In this study, high performance organo-ceramic hybrid materials have been applied for the extraction of (90)Y. The hybrid materials have properties of both a ceramic and a solvent extractant by molecularly implanting the extracting molecules on to the ceramic surfaces. In this study, organo-phosphorus functionalized hybrid materials are synthesized and tested as the separation media for the (90)Y/(90)Sr generator system. An adsorptive extraction with a small Sep-Pak type column can recover more than 92% of (90)Y with a contamination ratio of (90)Sr/(90)Y=1.2x10(-5) from the mother solution and 70% with 5x10(-7).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Ceramics
  • Chromatography / methods*
  • Molecular Imprinting
  • Organophosphorus Compounds
  • Radionuclide Generators
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry*
  • Strontium Radioisotopes / isolation & purification*
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Organophosphorus Compounds
  • Strontium Radioisotopes
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes
  • Silicon Dioxide