Optimization of cerium/praseodymium separation parameters with the aim of production of pure beta-emitter radioisotope 143Pr for therapeutic application in nuclear medicine

In this study, an effective and efficient separation method for separating praseodymium from cerium was designed, optimized, and successfully implemented. In this method, a special adsorbent for lanthanides (Ln-resin with dimensions of 100 to 150 microns) was used. A peristaltic pump and column with different dimensions (15 to 45 cm) were used to design the desired method. Systematic studies were performed to determine the eluent concentration of nitric acid (from 0.1 to 1 M). The oxidizing properties of cerium were exploited to differentiate the chemical behavior of these two lanthanides. NaBrO3 was used as an oxidizer. Because in the continuation of this research, the target material of enriched cerium will be used, it is necessary to recover cerium as well. Ascorbic acid was used for the reduction of cerium. After changing the oxidation number of cerium, by changing the concentration of nitric acid, it is easily possible to wash the praseodymium and cerium separately and in high resolution using the commonly available acids and low column pressures with an efficiency of over 99%. This method was successfully used to separate praseodymium-143 from irradiated cerium in the reactor, and also to separate 143Pr from the fission-produced lanthanides, the results of which will be presented in another report.