99mTc by 99Mo produced at the ENEA-FNG facility of 14MeV neutrons

A severe supply crisis of 99Mo, precursor of 99mTc a diagnostic radionuclide largely used in Nuclear Medicine, occurred in 2008–2009 due to repeated shut-down of the two main (aged) fission reactors. An alternative route for producing 99Mo by 100Mo(n,2n)99Mo reaction was investigated at ENEA. The experiment, designed according to Monte Carlo simulations performed with the Fluka code, produced 99Mo by irradiating a natural Molybdenum powdered target with 14MeV neutrons produced at the Frascati Neutron Generator. The 99Mo specific activity was measured at metrological level by γ-ray spectrometry. •The problem of 99mTc crisis in the world.•99Mo production at ENEA via 14MeV neutron beam.•99Mo produced, identified and measured by γ-ray spectrometry.•Fluka code for the design phase and its benchmarking.•Perspectives on 99Mo/99mTc production by intense 14MeV neutron beams.