Nanocrystalline zirconia: A novel sorbent for the preparation of 188W/188Re generator

Nanocrystalline zirconia, a novel high capacity sorbent material was synthesized and tested for its utility in the preparation of 188W/188Re generators. The structural investigation of the material was carried out using X-ray diffraction, surface area determination, FTIR and TEM micrograph analysis. Various experimental parameters were optimized to separate 188Re from 188W. The capacity of the material was found to be ∼325 mg W/g at the optimum pH. A chromatographic 188W/188Re generator was developed using this material from which >80% of 188Re generated could be eluted with 0.9% saline solution, with high radionuclidic, radiochemical and chemical purity and appreciably high radioactive concentration suitable for radiopharmaceutical applications.