Thermal diffusion of 67Ga from irradiated Zn targets

Gallium-67 is a cyclotron produced radionuclide and 67Ga-citrate complex scans are performed in a variety of applications in Nuclear Medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new method for the chemical separation of 67Ga from Zn targets. The method has 2 steps, first the thermal diffusion of 67Ga with concentrated acetic acid and then purification by cation exchange in ammonium medium. The final 67Ga solution was obtained in 0.1 mol L−1 HCl with the desirable high purity. - Highlights: • Gallium-67 was separated from Zn targets based on thermal diffusion in concentrated acetic acid. • Purification of gallium-67 was performed by cation exchange in ammonium medium. • The final gallium-67 solution was obtained in HCl medium and with high purity ready to prepare radiopharmaceuticals