Preemptive denaturing of 233U for more secure 225Ac production
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The nuclide 225 Ac is an alpha-emitting nuclide that can be used in targeted alpha therapy. The main production method for 225 Ac is the decay of 233 U produced by the neutron irradiation of 232 Th. Isotopically pure 233 U poses proliferation concerns, so production of 225 Ac in relevant quantities using this method requires denaturing (down-blending) of 233 U with natural or depleted uranium. Denaturing can be performed preemptively by directly mixing 233 Pa separated from a fuel or blanket material with an unirradiated uranium solution. This method minimizes the mass of highly enriched 233 U in the process stream at any time.
Author: Derek Haas
Language: English
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411352350