Production of 73Se via the 70Ge(α, n)-process using high current target materials

Abstract

Some development work relevant to the production of 73Se via the 70Ge(α, n)-process was carried out. A copper-germanium alloy with Ge content of about 40% was found to withstand 28 MeV α-particle extracted beams of up to 30 μA. For irradiations with internal beams of up to 80 μA a Cu 3 Ge intermetallic compound (Ge content 27.4%), obtained via simultaneous electrodeposition of germanium and copper on a Cu-backing, proved to be more suitable. A thermochromatographic method was developed to separate radioselenium; at 900°C the removal yield was >90%. The chemical state of the radioselenium taken up in H 2O 2 was 73SeO 3 2−. Using ∼97% enriched 70Ge in the intermetallic compound an experimental 73Se batch yield (at EOB) of ∼57 mCi (2.1 GBq) was achieved. The product was of high radionuclidic and chemical purity. A technique combining anodic oxidation and solvent extraction was developed to recover enriched 70Ge from the used target.