A new targetry system for production of zirconium-89 radioisotope with Cyclone-30 cyclotron

In this study, an efficient method for targetry and production of zirconium-89 radioisotope (Zr-89) with Cyclone-30 cyclotron was developed. The preparation of a highly pure compressed yttrium oxide target material and design of a target made by copper for better heat transfer was performed. Electrodeposition of target with gold was done to prevent the entry of metallic impurities (copper, zinc and other trace metal elements). Nuclear reaction cross sections for optimization of production with new target and irradiation parameters of the target were evaluated. The prepared Zr-89 in the form of [Zr-89] Zr-oxalate had high radionuclidic purity (> 99.9%) and a low chemical impurity concentration (< 0.1 ppm for copper and zinc elements). The yield of Zr-89 radioisotope production via the reaction of Y-89(p,n)Zr-89 was measured to be 77 & PLUSMN; 9.5 MBq/mu Ah (time of irradiation = 3, the current 20-30 mu A). [Zr-89] Zr-oxalate specific-activity was in the range 2.319641 x 10(4)-3.479443 x 10(4) MBq/mmol of Oxalate.