Separation of 64Cu from 67Ga Waste Products Using Anion Exchange and Low Acid Aqueous/Organic Mixtures

Abstract

Low acid concentration aqueous/organic mixtures with an anion exchange resin (AG1-X8) have been used to separate carrier-free 64Cu from the by-products of cyclotron produced 67Ga. The specific activity of the 64Cu (5 × 1014 Bq/g) was found to be higher than that reported previously. Trace levels (<1%) of 67Cu were also present. The new separation method is easier and faster (2 hours) than those currently employed in routine purification of both 67Cu and 64Cu production. We believe that the new method is the first reported use of organic solvents in the separation and purification of these radioisotopes and represents the first effort towards full characterisation of by-products for appropriate waste management.