ABSTRACT

The processing of activated targets involves the various aspects of purifying and isolating radionuclides after their production by a nuclear reaction. Nuclear and radiochemical considerations are largely determined by the nature of the target material, the activation process, and the chemical identity of the product radionuclide. The type and operating characteristics of available nuclear facilities place limits on the nuclear reactions which are possible choices for use in radionuclide production. Separations which are based upon precipitation techniques rely upon the different solubilities of the target and product radionuclide in a selected solvent system. Purification by solvent extraction is based upon the partitioning of solutes between two immiscible solvent phases. Chromatographic separation methods are related to solvent extraction techniques. The chemical purity of radioactive products is reflection of the chemical composition of the sample, with specific emphasis on the amounts of nonradioactive components. The selection or development of an “appropriate” radiochemical processing scheme can be a complex and relatively difficult task.