Practicality of hierarchically macro/mesoporous γ-Al2O3 as a promising sorbent in the preparation of low specific activity 99Mo/99mTc generator.

Abstract Hierarchically macro-/mesoporous γ-Al2O3 (HMMA) was synthesized and characterized by various analytical techniques. The results indicated that HMMA possessed macropores (∼0.45 μm) and mesopores (∼10.6 nm) with a large surface area (∼542 m2 g−1). The absorption behaviors of Mo and Re with HMMA were investigated. The maximum static absorption capacity could reach about 250 mg Mo per g HMMA. The absorption equilibrium can be attained quickly within 10 mins. At initial Mo ions concertation of 10,000 mg L−1, the breakthrough capacity was determined to be around 200 mg Mo per g HMMA. Additional, absorption mechanism results indicated that Mo ions reacts strongly with a hydroxyl on the surface of γ-Al2O3 and an adjacent Al atom, simultaneously. A 9.15 mCi (339 MBq) 99Mo generator was prepared and evaluated its performance for over one week. The recovery of 99mTc could reach about 89% with favorable radionuclidic, radiochemical and chemical purity for nuclear medicine application. HMMA has a potential application prospect for the preparation of low specific activity (LSA) 99Mo/99mTc generator.