Optimization of Molybdenum adsorption on alumina substrate for its final purification from Uranium-235 fission by indirect sublimation method

The product of Molybdenum-99 purification process, obtained from the acid dissolution of Uranium-235 fission products, has a degree of purity of 90%-95%, which its present active and inactive impurities are destructive reducing the efficiency of 99mTc/99Mo generators. The use of indirect sublimation method as an excessive purification step could increase purity and reduce molybdenum lost instead of commonly sublimation method. In this method, the molybdenum in product will be absorbed by passing through the column containing alumina and then the dried absorbent will be sublimated. In the present study, the effective factors in molybdenum absorption such as the amount of adsorbent, the volume and flow rate of the input solution and molybdenum were optimized. The finally absorption efficiency reached 97-99%. This investigation is predicted for the production of molybdenum-99 in the industrial scale.