Separation of lanthanum, hafnium, barium and radiotracers yttrium-88 and barium-133 using crystalline zirconium phosphate and phosphonate compounds as prospective materials for a Ra-223 radioisotope generator

Crystalline hybrid organic/inorganic ion exchangers based on zirconium phosphate and phosphonate compounds were evaluated for application in radium-223 generator for radiopharmaceutical applications. Various compositions were synthesized and the selectivity of these materials was determined for inactive lanthanum, hafnium and barium, and radiotracers yttrium-88 and barium-133. The hybrid materials show very efficient lanthanum/barium separation; the response for zirconium phosphate was even better. A small-scale column loaded with pelletized zirconium phosphate compound demonstrated excellent retention of 88Y and release of 133Ba.