Development of a Recovery System for Solid Targets in the Production of Radiopharmaceutical Compounds

Abstract

Among the radionuclides used in PET imaging, 64-Cu is of growing interest due to its favorable physical and chemical properties. It is primarily produced via the 64-Ni(p,n)64-Cu nuclear reaction in a cyclotron. However, the starting material, 64Ni, is extremely costly (approximately $59/mg) due to its low natural abundance. Consequently, recycling this valuable material is essential for the sustainable and cost-effective production of 64-Cu. In response to the increasing demand for copper radionuclides, \textit{Trasis} identified the need to develop solutions supporting the 64-Ni recovery cycle. This thesis investigates and details the processes involved in the life cycle of highly enriched 64-Ni.

A review of the capabilities of Trasis equipment underscored the need to develop target production methods that address several critical constraints. Chief among these are the high cost of 64-Ni, which necessitates maximizing nickel recovery, and the imperative to maintain strict contamination control within a medical environment. To address these challenges, an electrodeposition cell was designed to plate a substrate with valuable nickel material prior to irradiation. A first prototype was developed and used to carry out experimental electrodepositions with 58-Ni. Several targets were successfully plated, and the resulting nickel deposits were analysed. Deposits obtained from the alkaline electrolyte exhibited good adherence to the substrates. In the final electrodeposition experiment, a copper cathode pre-coated with gold was used to better simulate actual conditions. This experiment achieved a recovery of more than 98.5 % of the initial nickel material. Finally, the design of all components of the cell prototype was reviewed based on feedback from initial use. An improved version of the electrodeposition cell was proposed, aiming to enhance usability, compactness, and integration with existing radiopharmaceutical workflows.