Mechanism of 99Mo adsorption and 99mTc elution from zirconium-based material in 99Mo/ 99mTc generator column using neutron-irradiated natural molybdenum

The 99Mo adsorption and 99mTc elution mechanism were investigated using SEM–EDS to analyze the elemental composition of the adsorbent surfaces. From the changes of element composition, it was found that molybdate ions were adsorbed into the adsorbent by ion exchange with Cl− ion in the material. It was also revealed that 99mTc can be eluted in high oxidation state since the 99mTc in lower oxidation state easily made coordination bonds with other elements in the adsorbent.