Enrichment of 90Zr by Electromagnetic Isotope sSeparation (EMIS)

The Electromagnetic Isotopes Separator (EMIS) installed in Karaj, has the capability to separate isotopes in a wide range of elements. Zirconium is successfully separated using this method for the first time in Iran. Zirconium element has five stable isotopes, 90Zr, 91Zr, 92Zr, 94Zr, and 96Zr, and the natural abundance of 90Zr is 51.45%. The 90Zr isotope is used to produce radioisotope 90Nb via 90Zr(p, n) 90Nb  that has a high potential for antibody labeling application in PET as a radionuclide. Copper pockets and graphite front plate were designed and fabricated for separating and collecting of Zr isotopes. After choosing the appropriate composition for the initial material, the electrical parameters of the ion source and electromagnet were determined. The mass spectra of Zirconium isotopes were recorded. Deposited 90Zr isotopes were first extracted from the copper pocket and then purified by electrodeposition and purification methods. The formation of 90ZrO2 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Chemical purity and isotope purification of 90Zr isotope were 99.22% and 99.85%, which measured by TIMS and PIXE method analysis, respectively.