Nano-titania: a novel purification and concentration adsorbent for 125I production for medical uses

Abstract

The presented work describes the efficient use of nano-crystalline titania (TiO2) to remove trace levels of cesium radio-contaminants (134Cs and 137Cs) in iodine-125 (125I) solution produced via neutron activation of natural 124Xe target. The adsorption parameters of TiO2 were investigated to attain the optimum purification and concentration conditions of 125I solution. The maximum sorption capacity of Cs and 125I were approximately 56 and 67 mg/g TiO2, respectively. The final 125I solution was of high radiochemical, radionuclidic and chemical purities, besides, it showed high radioactive concentration that confirming its suitability for nuclear medicine applications and 125I brachytherapy sources preparation.