Production of low and high specific activity 64Cu in a reactor

Production of Copper-64 (64Cu) by irradiating copper and zinc metals in a reactor was evaluated. Low specific activity 64Cu can be easily produced using thermal neutrons via 63Cu (n,γ) 64Cu reaction, while use of fast neutrons are mandatory for high specific activity 64Cu via 64Zn (n,p) 64Cu reaction. Natural copper and zinc targets were irradiated in Pakistan Research Reactor-1. Radionuclidic impurities produced by thermal and fast neutrons were determined. Commonly available organic anion exchange resin (AG 1-X8) was used for the separation of no-carrier-added radiocopper from neutron irradiated zinc. More than 95% 64,67Cu was recovered. The radionuclidic and chemical purity of 64Cu was determined. The specific activity of 64Cu produced by 63Cu (n,γ) and 64Zn (n,p) was compared. (author)