Molybdenum-99 production pathways and the sorbents for 99Mo/99mTc generator systems using (n, γ) 99Mo: a review

Abstract

Technetiun-99 m (99mTc) is a widely used and versatile radioisotope obtained from the beta decay of molybdenum (99Mo). 99Mo can be produced by thermal fission or neutron activation process. Production of 99Mo via the neutron capture method draws attention as an alternative to fission derived 99Mo due to non-proliferation issues. The main concern with neutron capture-produced 99Mo (n, γ) over the common fission-produced involves both lower Curie yield and lower specific activity. In this work, different adsorbents using low specific activity 99Mo for 99mTc generator have been discussed.