Possibility of obtaining high-activity [sup.177]Lu in the IR-8 research reactor

The results of the production of the medical isotope [sup.177]Lu in the IR-8 research reactor are presented. The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the desired radionuclide are determined. The radiochemical method of separating [sup.177]Lu from an irradiated target [sup.176]Yb by a combination of two electrochemical processes - cementation of ytterbium from acetate-chloride solution on sodium amalgam and electrolysis of an ytterbium solution in a single electrolytic cell - is proposed. The purification factor for removal of [sup.176]Yb from [sup.177]Lu was [10.sup.5]-[10.sup.6].