Production, separation and supply prospects of ⁶⁷Cu with the development of fast neutron sources and photonuclear technology

Abstract

Abstract Experimental investigations have been carried out on the production of a promising therapeutic radionuclide 67 Cu via the 67 Zn(n,p) 67 Cu, 68 Zn(n,x) 67 Cu, and 68 Zn(γ,p) 67 Cu reaction routes. Natural zinc metal foils were irradiated with 14.1 MeV neutrons and bremsstrahlung of end-point energy 15 MeV. Radioactivity levels of 67 Cu and other radioisotopes co-produced were determined by the quantification of photo-peaks by off-line γ-ray spectrometry. No carrier added 67 Cu was separated from the irradiated zinc by solvent extraction. Yields >90% and high levels of radionuclidic purity were achieved. These studies indicate that the growth and development of intense fast neutron sources and photonuclear technology, will possibly aid in the sustained supply of 67 Cu.