Efficient sorption of Mo(VI) from a synthetic solution of uranium and several fission elements on 8-quinolinol grafted silica

Efficient separation and purification of the medical isotope Mo-99 is essential for the development of nuclear medicine. In this work, 8-quinolinol-grafted SiO2 sorbent (hereafter referred to as SiO2-APTES-Quin) was prepared with distribution coefficient of Mo(VI) up to 10(4) mL center dot g(-1) at pH 1.0. The maximum sorption capacity of Mo (VI) on SiO2-APTES-Quin was 203 +/- 5 mg center dot g(-1), which was 5 times more than that on commercial alumina. By comparison with Re(VII), the sorption mechanism of Mo(VI) is likely to be coordination rather than ion exchange. Selective coordination allowed Mo(VI) to be separated from U(VI), Sr(II), Ce(III), Zr(IV) and Ru(III). The sorbent was stable under an irradiation absorbed dose of 800 kGy. The SiO2-APTES-Quin has the potential to be applied to the separation and purification of the medical isotope Mo-99.

Automated summary

In this study, a SiO2 sorbent with 8-quinolinol grafting (SiO2-APTES-Quin) was prepared, which showed a high distribution coefficient for Mo(VI) and a maximum sorption capacity of 203 ± 5 mg∙g-1. The sorption mechanism of Mo(VI) is likely coordination rather than ion exchange. Selective coordination allows the separation of Mo(VI) from other ions such as U(VI), Sr(II), Ce(III), Zr(IV), and Ru(III). The stability of the sorbent was demonstrated under irradiation. SiO2-APTES-Quin has the potential to be used in the separation and purification of the medical isotope Mo-99.