Rhenium remediation in the preparation of molybdenum-99
US12398446B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 10, 2022 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 7, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC22B61/00
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of preparing remediated MoO3 from naturally-occurring molybdenum, or molybdenum that is enriched in one, the other or both of Mo-98 and Mo-100 isotopes from a particulate rhenium-containing MoO3 matrix that contains one, the other or both of those isotopes is disclosed as is the product remediated MoO3 that contains less than about 1000 ppt rhenium. In accordance with the invention, particulate rhenium-containing MoO3 matrix is heated in the presence of an oxygen-containing gaseous stream to a temperature of greater than about 300° C. and less than about 800° C. The temperature and oxidative sparging are maintained for a time sufficient to assure that rhenium has been oxidized to rhenium(VII), diffuses to form the dimer (Re2O7), and is then vaporizingly removed as Re2O7, while retaining the remediated MoO3.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.