Simple and fast process for separating an expensive Lu-177 from the target material
Inventor: Artem Gelis
Gelis is a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and is the Director of the Radiochemistry Program at UNLV. His expertise includes radiochemical analytical methods (gamma-counting, LSC, alpha spectroscopy); electrochemistry, various spectroscopic techniques, kinetics and microfluidics. He has published more than 55 articles in peer reviewed journals in the field of radiochemistry.
Invention
A novel separation of ytterbium from lutetium utilizing an electrochemical reduction of Yb to divalent oxidation state on a carbon electrode, accompanied by precipitation of Yb(II) sulfate has been achieved. The novel process allows for removal of at least 90% Yb from the irradiated Yb target within a short electrolysis time. The ytterbium irradiation produces Lu-177- a sought-after medical isotope for cancer treatment. Both lanthanide elements possess very similar chemical properties in natural trivalent oxidation, and therefore are very difficult to separate via standard separation techniques.
Benefits:
Market opportunity
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Intellectual property