Titanium molybdates and methods of making the same

Abstract

A method for producing a titanium molybdate material.SOLUTION: The method includes reacting a metallic molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition, combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti-Mo composition, and pH adjusting the Ti-Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti-Mo particulates.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 15 / 902,086, filed February 22, 2018, in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 463,020, filed February 24, 2017, in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 592,737, filed November 30, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The invention disclosed herein generally relates to titanium molybdate materials suitable for use in technetium-99m generators (Mo-99 / Tc-99m generators) and methods for making same. [Background technology]

[0003] Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) is the most commonly used radioisotope in nuclear medicine (e.g., medical imaging). Tc-99m (m is metastable) is typically injected into patients, and when used in certain facilities, it is used to image the patient's internal organs. However, Tc-99m has a half-life of only six hours. Therefore, readily available sources of Tc-99m are of particular interest and / or need, at least in the field of nuclear medicine.

[0004] Given the short half-life of Tc-99m, Tc-99m is typically obtained where and / or when needed (e.g., at pharmacies, hospitals, etc.) through Mo-99 / Tc-99m generators. Mo-99 / Tc-99m generators are devices used to extract a metastable isotope of technetium (i.e., Tc-99m) from a decaying source of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) by passing saline solution through the Mo-99 material. Mo-99 is unstable and decays to Tc-99m with a half-life of 66 hours. Mo-99 is typically produced in a high-neutron flux reactor from the irradiation of a highly enriched uranium target (93% uranium-235) and transported to the manufacturing site of the Mo-99 / Tc-99m generator. The Mo-99 / Tc-99m generators are then distributed from these central locations to hospitals and pharmacies nationwide. Because there are a limited number of production sites and it is compounded in a limited number of available high-flux reactors, the supply of Mo-99 is subject to frequent interruptions and shortages, causing delays in nuclear medicine procedures. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there remains a need for at least a method for producing materials suitable for use in technetium-99m generators (Mo-99 / Tc-99m generators). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One or more embodiments of the present invention may address one or more of the aforementioned problems. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods for producing titanium molybdate (Ti—Mo), e.g., porous Ti—Mo material, suitable for use in technetium-99m generators. As used herein, the term “titanium molybdate” generally refers to titanium molybdate, titanium-molybdenum, molybdenum titanate, or any form of Mo—Ti or Ti—Mo species. Methods according to certain embodiments of the present invention may include reacting a metallic molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium (e.g., an aqueous medium) with a first acid (e.g., a mineral acid) to obtain a Mo composition, and combining the Mo composition with a titanium source (e.g., TiCl) to obtain a Ti—Mo composition. Methods according to certain embodiments of the present invention may further include pH-adjusting the Ti—Mo composition with a base (e.g., ammonium hydroxide) to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates (interchangeably referred to herein as particles). According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the Ti—Mo particulates may be isolated or separated from the liquid medium. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the isolated Ti—Mo particles may be in the form of a slurry containing a remaining amount of liquid medium. Thermal energy may be applied to the isolated Ti—Mo particles to at least partially dry and / or partially crystallize the Ti—Mo particles and to crystallize a plurality of inorganic salts within the porous network defined by the Ti—Mo matrix of the individual Ti—Mo particles. For example, one or more Ti—Mo particles may include a porous matrix containing a plurality of pores and / or channels therein, with at least a portion of the crystallized inorganic salts present within the pores and / or channels. After crystallizing the inorganic salts within at least some of the pores and / or channels of the Ti—Mo particles, which may agglomerate together, may be crushed and washed to remove the crystallized inorganic salts. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the method may include irradiating a metallic molybdenum target to obtain the Mo material discussed herein. That is, irradiating a metallic molybdenum target to obtain the Mo material may be performed before combining the metallic Mo material and the first acid in the liquid medium.The molybdenum metal target may include, for example, a tubular capsule containing molybdenum metal and a plurality of molybdenum metal internal components (e.g., balls, rods, wires, disks) housed in the tubular capsule. Alternatively, for example, the molybdenum metal target may be one or more molybdenum metal components (e.g., balls, rods, wires, disks) used singly or in combination, for example, a rod and a series of disks. In this regard, certain embodiments of the present invention include Ti-Mo materials produced according to the methods disclosed herein.

[0007] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a Ti—Mo material comprising a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates comprising a porous structure comprising a plurality of pores, channels, or both. In this regard, one or more of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates may independently comprise a porous structure comprising a plurality of pores, channels, or both (e.g., a porous matrix defined by individual Ti—Mo particles). The Ti—Mo material, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, may further comprise one or more solid inorganic salts, at least a portion of which may be disposed within the pores and / or channels of the porous structure (e.g., a porous matrix defined by individual Ti—Mo particles). In this regard, such embodiments of the present invention may, in some instances, include intermediate products for further processing, if desired.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a Ti—Mo material comprising a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates, one or more of the Ti—Mo particulates comprising a porous structure comprising a plurality of pores, channels, or both.

[0009] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the method may include irradiating the resulting Ti—Mo material comprising a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates. For example, irradiation may be performed prior to loading the Ti—Mo material into the elution vessel.

[0010] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the Ti-Mo material has an elution efficiency of 30% or greater, 80% or greater, 90% or greater, or 95% or greater. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the Ti-Mo material can be placed in an elution column (e.g., a technetium-99m generator) and at least 90% (e.g., at least 95% or at least 99%) of the total technetium content is released from the Ti-Mo material by passing an aqueous liquid (e.g., water, saline, dilute acid) through the Ti-Mo material.

[0011] Other embodiments of the invention are described herein.

[0012] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are presented so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method for producing titanium molybdate material according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows a titanium molybdate material with several inorganic salt crystals growing on the surface of the titanium molybdate and out from the interior or pores of the titanium molybdate. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 shows the titanium molybdate material after milling and washing, containing small amounts of residual inorganic salt crystals. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 shows the titanium molybdate material after milling and washing, free of residual inorganic salt crystals. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a metal molybdate target for irradiation to obtain Mo material according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the metal molybdate target illustrated by FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a cask transfer case according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cask transfer case illustrated in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method for producing titanium molybdate material according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are presented so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0015] The present invention, according to certain embodiments, provides a method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti—Mo), such as a porous Ti—Mo material suitable for use in a technetium-99m generator. As used herein, the term “titanium molybdate” generally refers to titanium molybdate, titanium-molybdenum, molybdenum titanate, or any form of Mo—Ti or Ti—Mo species.

[0016] According to certain embodiments, the method may include reacting a metallic molybdenum (Mo) material (e.g., solid molybdenum metal in various forms, including powders and bulk solids of various particle sizes and shapes) with an acid(s) (e.g., a mineral acid) in a liquid medium to obtain a Mo composition (e.g., a Mo solution), and combining the Mo composition with a titanium source (e.g., TiCl) to obtain a Ti-Mo composition. Molybdenum metal is typically produced by powder metallurgy techniques, for example, in which Mo powder is hydrostatically compacted and sintered. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the metallic molybdenum material may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of Mo atoms. Non-limiting examples of metallic molybdenum materials include, but are not limited to, natural Mo, enriched Mo (including, but not limited to, Mo-98 enriched Mo), and Mo alloys (including, but not limited to, any material with a Mo content greater than 50% and in which the other alloying component(s) are easily separated chemically from the Mo).

[0017] Methods according to certain embodiments of the present invention may further include adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition with a base (e.g., ammonium hydroxide) to precipitate a plurality of Ti-Mo particulates. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, methods for producing solid Ti-Mo may include a single-pot method in which metallic Mo material is converted into solid Ti-Mo particulates in a single pot (i.e., in the same tank or pot).

[0018] According to certain embodiments, the acid(s) utilized may include one or more mineral acids or hydrogen peroxide. In this regard, mineral acids suitable for combination with metallic Mo may include hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrofluoric acid, boric acid, hydrobromic acid, perchloric acid, hydroiodic acid, halogen acids (e.g., HAt, where At is astatine), or any combination thereof. According to certain embodiments, the mineral acid may include hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, or a combination thereof. In this regard, metallic Mo may be immersed and stirred in a liquid medium, while one or more of the aforementioned acids are added to lower the pH of the liquid medium. According to certain embodiments, reacting the metallic molybdenum (Mo) material in the liquid medium with the first acid may subject the metallic Mo material, and / or any metal oxide formed thereby, to a process including, but not limited to, oxidation, dissolution, other reaction processes, or combinations thereof. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the liquid medium may include an aqueous medium. In this regard, the liquid medium may include water. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the liquid medium consists of water to which metallic Mo and one or more of the aforementioned acids are added.

[0019] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the step of reacting the metallic molybdenum (Mo) material with a first acid in a liquid medium may be carried out at a molar ratio of Mo to acid (Mo:acid) ranging from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1.

[0020] The step of reacting metallic Mo may further include controlling the temperature of a liquid medium (e.g., an aqueous medium) in which the metallic Mo is immersed at any time during the reaction. In this regard, controlling the temperature of the liquid medium (e.g., an aqueous medium) may include heating the liquid medium, removing heat from the liquid medium, not heating the liquid medium, or a combination thereof. Heating and / or heat removal may be achieved by a variety of known heat transfer methods (e.g., internal tank coils, heat exchangers, jacketed tanks, etc.). According to certain embodiments of the present invention, for example, the temperature of the liquid medium can be desirably controlled by heating and / or removing heat from the liquid medium throughout the reaction. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, for example, heat may be added to the liquid medium in which the metallic Mo is immersed sufficient to raise the temperature of the liquid medium to about 25°C or more, about 35°C or more, about 45°C or more, about 55°C or more, etc. The temperature of the liquid medium may begin to rise. In this regard, controlling the temperature of the liquid medium by removing released heat may be desirable, for example, at least regarding safety concerns. If the liquid medium includes any co-chemicals, the boiling points of such chemicals may at least partially determine the desired maximum temperature reached by the liquid medium. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the temperature of the liquid medium may be controlled by maintaining the temperature of the liquid medium at or below about 80°C, for example, by removing heat from the liquid medium. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the temperature of the liquid medium may be controlled by maintaining the temperature of the liquid medium at or below about 100°C, at or below about 80°C, at or below about 70°C, at or below about 60°C, at or below about 50°C, or at or below about 40°C.

[0021] The reacting step may further include agitating the metallic Mo material and the liquid medium during at least a portion of the step. In this regard, agitating the metallic Mo material and the liquid medium may improve the interaction between the metallic Mo material and the liquid medium, such as by lowering the pH of the liquid medium with the addition of an acid (i.e., one or more mineral acids). For example, agitation may improve the contact of the metallic Mo material with the acid in the liquid medium, thereby increasing the rate of any reaction process that occurs, including, but not limited to, oxidation, dissolution, or a combination thereof. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, for example, agitation may include mechanically mixing the metallic Mo material and the liquid medium. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, agitation may be improved by utilizing baffles in the internal tank to promote vertical mixing of the metallic Mo and the liquid medium.

[0022] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the step of combining the metallic Mo material may include simultaneously adding one or more acids to a liquid medium in which the metallic Mo material is immersed, controlling the temperature of the liquid medium, and agitating the metallic Mo material and the liquid medium during at least a portion of the step. The resulting Mo composition (e.g., a solution of Mo) may then be subjected to further processing.

[0023] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti—Mo), the method including the steps of wholly or partially oxidizing a metallic molybdenum (Mo) material with a first acid in a liquid medium to obtain a Mo composition, combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti—Mo composition, and adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates.

[0024] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti—Mo), the method including the steps of: dissolving a metallic molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti—Mo composition; and adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates.

[0025] In the foregoing examples, the process parameters and / or conditions for oxidizing and / or dissolving may be the same as those discussed herein with respect to the reacting step.

[0026] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, after forming the Mo composition, the method may include combining the Mo composition with a titanium source (e.g., TiCl) to obtain a Ti-Mo composition. The titanium source may include titanium chloride. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the titanium chloride may include titanium(III) chloride (TiCl), titanium(II) chloride (TiCl), titanium tetrachloride (TiCl), or any combination thereof. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, combining the Mo composition with the titanium source to obtain the Ti-Mo composition may include adding the titanium source to the Mo composition. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the Mo composition is stirred or mixed during the addition of the titanium source.

[0027] Adding the titanium source to the Mo composition may include, for example, dropwise addition of the titanium source to the Mo composition. In this regard, adding the titanium source to the Mo composition may include administering the titanium source one drop (e.g., 0.05 mL) at a time to the stirring Mo composition. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the number of titanium source droplets added to the Mo composition per minute may be varied. Other administration forms of the titanium source that can be used include, but are not limited to, mist, spray, or combinations thereof. Combining the Mo composition and the titanium source to obtain the Ti-Mo composition may also include adding an acid (e.g., a second mineral acid) to the Mo composition. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the temperature may preferably be lowered to a range of about 25°C to about 35°C when the titanium source is added with the acid. The acid may include a mineral acid disclosed above. For example, the mineral acid added to the Mo composition during combination of the titanium source and the Mo composition may include hydrochloric acid. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the titanium source and the acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid) may be added to the Mo composition simultaneously. For example, the titanium source may comprise a liquid composition including, by way of example, one or more titanium-containing compounds (e.g., TiCl) and an acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid) disclosed herein. In this regard, adding the titanium source may include simultaneous addition of the titanium-containing compound(s) and the acid. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the resulting Ti-Mo composition may comprise a final pH of about 3 or less (e.g., about 2 or less, or about 1 or less) at the end of the step of combining the Mo composition and the titanium source. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, combining the Mo composition and the titanium source (e.g., TiCl) to obtain the Ti-Mo composition may be performed until a molar ratio of titanium to Mo (Ti:Mo) of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1 is reached.

[0028] Methods according to certain embodiments of the present invention may further include adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition with a base (e.g., ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and metal hydroxide(s)) to precipitate a plurality of Ti-Mo particulates. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the pH of the Ti-Mo composition is adjusted with a base to a pH in the range of about 4 to about 9. Thus, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the pH of the Ti-Mo composition may be adjusted to a minimum of any of the following: about 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, and 7, and / or a maximum of about 9, 8.5, 8, 7.5, 7, 6.5, and 6. The Ti-Mo composition may be subjected to agitation, such as mechanical agitation, while the pH of the Ti-Mo composition is being adjusted.

[0029] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition can include adding a base dropwise. In this regard, adding a base to the Ti-Mo composition can include administering one drop (e.g., 0.05 mL) of base simultaneously with stirring the Ti-Mo composition. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the number of drops of base added per minute to the Ti-Mo composition can be varied.

[0030] The Ti-Mo composition after the pH adjusting step includes a plurality of precipitated Ti-Mo particulates from the pH adjustment and may be subjected to a cooling or chilling step during and / or after the pH adjustment. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the cooling step may include lowering the temperature of the Ti-Mo composition to about 0°C to about 20°C (e.g., about 3°C ​​to about 10°C). Thus, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the cooling step may include lowering the temperature of the Ti-Mo composition to a minimum of any of the following: about 3°C, 5°C, 8°C, 10°C, and 12°C, and / or to a maximum of about 20°C, 15°C, 12°C, and 10°C. In this regard, the cooling step may promote further crystallization of inorganic salts within and / or on the surfaces of the porous Ti-Mo particulates. As described in more detail below, the additional solid inorganic salt, when subsequently dissolved and / or removed, can form numerous cracks, holes / pores, and / or channels that provide pathways for technetium atoms to escape from the Ti—Mo particulate.

[0031] After the plurality of Ti-Mo particles have precipitated in the Ti-Mo composition, the Ti-Mo composition may be subjected to a separation operation (e.g., solid-liquid separation), with or without the cooling step discussed above. In this regard, methods according to certain embodiments of the present invention may include a step of separating the plurality of Ti-Mo particles from a liquid medium (e.g., an undesired bulk liquid medium). In this regard, the Ti-Mo particles may be isolated or separated from the undesired liquid medium. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the isolated Ti-Mo particles may be in the form of a slurry containing a residual amount of the liquid medium therein. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the step of separating the plurality of Ti-Mo particles from the liquid medium may include filtering (e.g., vacuum filtering) or centrifuging the Ti-Mo composition to retain at least a majority of the plurality of Ti-Mo particles. Filtration media may include, but are not limited to, paper, calcined metal, metal mesh, or combinations thereof. First and / or second filtration media may be used. The separating step can include utilizing a metal filter surface, with at least a majority of the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates being retained on the metal filter surface. As noted above, the isolated or retained Ti-Mo particulates can be in the form of a slurry containing a residual amount of liquid medium therein.

[0032] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, isolated or retained Ti—Mo particulates (e.g., in the form of a slurry) can be subjected to thermal energy to at least partially dry and / or partially crystallize the Ti—Mo particulates and to crystallize multiple inorganic salts within the porous network defined by the Ti—Mo matrix of the individual Ti—Mo particulates. During exposure to thermal energy, the residual liquid medium entraining the Ti—Mo particulates begins to evaporate, and the inorganic salts crystallize and / or grow in size. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the inorganic salts crystallize and grow in size within the porous structure of the Ti—Mo particulates (e.g., the porous Ti—Mo matrix). For example, isolated or retained Ti—Mo particulates can be subjected to thermal energy to at least partially dry and / or partially crystallize the Ti—Mo particulates and to crystallize and / or grow multiple inorganic salts within the porous network defined by the Ti—Mo matrix of the individual Ti—Mo particulates. For example, one or more of the Ti-Mo particulates may comprise a porous matrix having a plurality of pores and / or channels therein, with at least a portion of the crystallized inorganic salt present within the pores and / or channels. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the inorganic salt comprises ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, and / or ammonium hydroxide. However, the titanium molybdate molecules remain in a somewhat amorphous solid state rather than in a strongly crystalline state.

[0033] The step of applying thermal energy to the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, can include exposing the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates to infrared radiation. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the infrared radiation has a wavelength of about 700 nm to about 1400 nm. Thus, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the infrared radiation can have a wavelength of at least any of the following: about 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 920, 940, 960, 980, and 1000 nm, and / or at most about 1400, 1300, 1200, 1150, 1100, 1080, 1060, 1040, 1020, and 1000 nm.

[0034] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the thermal energy source may include one or more of convection heat, freeze drying, infrared heaters such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), quartz crystals, quartz infrared heating elements, and incandescent bulbs emitting infrared light. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the operating temperature may be controlled to be from about 20° C. to about 80° C. In this regard, the operating temperature may include a minimum of any of the following: about 20° C., 30° C., 40° C., 45° C., 50° C., 55° C., and 60° C., and / or a maximum of about 80° C., 75° C., 70° C., 65° C., and 60° C.

[0035] After subjecting the Ti—Mo particulate to thermal energy, the Ti—Mo particulate, including inorganic salt crystals located within the porous structure / matrix of the Ti—Mo particulate, may optionally be subjected to a crushing or grinding operation. After crystallizing the inorganic salt (e.g., ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, and / or ammonium hydroxide), the Ti—Mo particulate, which may clump together within at least a portion of the pores and / or channels of the Ti—Mo particulate, may be subjected to a crushing or grinding operation to obtain a more free-flowing material. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the Ti—Mo particulate may be crushed using a number of commercially available mills, such as ball mills, hammer mills, high-pressure grinding rolls, tower mills, and wet mills (e.g., conical wet mills).

[0036] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, after the milling step, the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates may have an average size of about 10 microns to about 1275 microns (e.g., about 100 microns to about 200 microns, about 630 microns to about 1015 microns). According to certain embodiments of the present invention, for example, after the milling step, the average size of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates may include a minimum of any of the following: about 10, 50, 75, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 925, and 950 microns, and / or a maximum of about 1275, 1250, 1225, 1200, 1175, 1150, 1125, 1100, 1050, 1000, and 950 microns.

[0037] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the selected particle size can be selected by mechanical filtering, chemical filtering, or a combination thereof.

[0038] The Ti—Mo particulates milled according to certain embodiments of the present invention may be subjected to a washing step. A washing step may be desirable, for example, to dissolve and / or remove inorganic salts to open up or make accessible the interior porous structure of the individual Ti—Mo particulates. As noted above, porous Ti—Mo particulates may include multiple pores and / or internal channels therein. Dissolving and / or removing inorganic salts within the pores and / or channels significantly increases the surface area of ​​the Ti—Mo particulates available for the release of technetium atoms (e.g., Tc-99m). In this regard, the Ti—Mo particulates may include a greater amount of titanium molybdate atoms available for the release of technetium atoms (e.g., Tc-99m) than nonporous particulates, since the accessible porous structure therein provides more pathways for the release and / or extraction of technetium. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the washing step can include washing the Ti-Mo particulate with a liquid capable of dissolving and / or removing inorganic salts (e.g., inorganic salts including ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, and / or ammonium hydroxide). According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the Ti-Mo particulate can be flushed with water to dissolve and / or remove inorganic salts. Because the solubility of inorganic salts (e.g., ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, and / or ammonium hydroxide) can increase with temperature, the liquid (e.g., water) used to flush or rinse the Ti-Mo particulate can be heated (e.g., water at 70°C to 85°C) to speed the dissolution and / or removal of inorganic salts. According to certain embodiments, the Ti-Mo particulate can alternatively be submerged and / or immersed in a liquid and then drained. In such embodiments of the present invention, the Ti-Mo particulate may need to be submerged and / or immersed in a new liquid and subsequently drained more than once to remove a sufficient amount of inorganic salts.

[0039] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the washed Ti-Mo particulates can be collected and dried to remove most of the washing solution. The drying operation is not particularly limited. After drying the washed Ti-Mo particulates, the Ti-Mo particulates may tend to clump together. Therefore, the Ti-Mo particulates may be subjected to a second grinding process, including a dry grinding process, and after the second grinding step, the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates may comprise particles ranging from about 50 microns to about 1275 microns (e.g., from about 100 microns to about 200 microns, from about 630 microns to about 1015 microns). According to certain embodiments of the present invention, for example, after the second milling step, the average size of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates may include a minimum of any of the following: about 10, 50, 75, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 925, and 950 microns, and / or a maximum of about 1275, 1250, 1225, 1200, 1175, 1150, 1125, 1100, 1050, 1000, and 950 microns.

[0040] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a method may include irradiating a metallic molybdenum target to obtain the Mo material discussed herein. The metallic molybdenum target may include, for example, a tubular capsule including metallic molybdenum and a plurality of metallic molybdenum internal components (e.g., balls, rods, wires, disks) housed within the tubular capsule. For example, the tubular capsule may include a first end, a second end, and a wall connecting the first end and the second end to define a cavity therein. In this regard, a plurality of metallic molybdenum internal components (e.g., balls, rods, wires, disks) may be packed into the cavity within the tubular capsule. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, at least the first end may be configured to be accessible to the cavity for receiving, and optionally not receiving, a plurality of metallic molybdenum internal components (e.g., balls, rods, wires, disks). In this regard, at least the first end (or a portion thereof) may be configured to be removable from the tubular capsule for access to the cavity. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the metallic Mo material in the reacting step includes a plurality of metallic molybdenum internal components, a tubular capsule, or both.

[0041] The molybdenum metal target may include a plurality of molybdenum metal disks (e.g., circular disks) each having a length, width, and thickness in the z-direction. In this regard, the thickness may be less than both the length and the width. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the thickness may be from about 2 microns to about 260 microns (e.g., from about 10 microns to about 150 microns). According to certain embodiments of the present invention, for example, the thickness may be at least about 2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 microns, and / or at most about 275, 260, 250, 225, 200, 175, 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, and 100 microns. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the molybdenum metal disks are packed side-by-side in the z-direction inside a tubular capsule. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the molybdenum metal disks may be used without a capsule. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the molybdenum metal disks may be formed from a molybdenum metal sheet, for example, by stamping. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the Mo metal material in the reacting step includes a plurality of molybdenum metal disks, tubular capsule components, or both.

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a method that includes, in operation 10, the optional step (indicated by a dashed line) of irradiating a metallic molybdenum target to obtain a metallic Mo material, followed by reacting the metallic Mo material (e.g., obtained from operation 10 or obtained from a third party) with at least a first acid in a liquid medium to obtain a Mo composition in operation 20. As illustrated in Figure 1, the method includes, in operation 30, combining a Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti-Mo composition, and, in operation 40, pH adjusting the Ti-Mo composition to a pH of about 4 to about 9 with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti-Mo particulates. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, the Ti-Mo composition may optionally be subjected to a step of cooling the Ti-Mo composition in operation 50 prior to separating the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates from the liquid medium in operation 60. The Ti—Mo particulate isolated after operation 60 may be subjected to a step of exposing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to thermal energy in operation 70, followed by a step of milling the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates in operation 80. As illustrated by the detailed illustrative example of FIG. 1 , the method may then include an optional step of washing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates (e.g., to remove inorganic salts) in operation 90, followed by a second drying step in operation 100. As shown in FIG. 1 , the method may include an optional step of re-milling (e.g., dry-milling) the dried Ti—Mo particulates in operation 110. FIG. 2, for example, illustrates a titanium molybdate material 500 including several inorganic salt crystals 520 growing on the surface of the titanium molybdate 510 and outward from the interior or pores of the titanium molybdate. In this regard, the washing step in operation 90 may dissolve and / or remove a majority (or substantially all) of the inorganic salt crystals 520, as extensively illustrated in FIG. 2 . FIG. 3A, for example, shows the milled and washed titanium molybdate material with a small amount of residual inorganic salt crystals 520, while FIG. 3B shows the milled and washed titanium molybdate material free (or substantially free) of residual inorganic salt crystals.

[0043] As described above, the metallic molybdenum target that can be irradiated to obtain Mo material can include a tubular capsule and / or multiple metallic molybdenum components (e.g., balls, rods, wires, disks). Figure 4, for example, illustrates a tubular capsule 600 including a first end 610, a second end 620, and a wall 630 connecting the first and second ends and defining a cavity therein (illustrated in Figure 5). Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tubular capsule 600 illustrated by Figure 4, showing the cavity 640. In this regard, multiple metallic molybdenum internal components (e.g., balls, rods, wires, disks) can be packed into the tubular capsule cavity.

[0044] The metallic molybdenum target, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, may be irradiated by, for example, neutron capture in a nuclear fission reactor. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the Mo materials disclosed herein may be obtained by a variety of Mo production techniques, including, for example, nuclear fission reactors (e.g., recovered uranium, low-enriched uranium, and highly enriched uranium), particle accelerators, and neutron capture. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the metallic molybdenum target may be irradiated by any type of nuclear reactor into which a Mo target can be inserted. Non-limiting examples of nuclear reactors include, but are not limited to, high-flux isotope reactors (HFIRs), CANDU reactors (e.g., CANDU reactors, CANDU 6 reactors, CANDU 9 reactors, Advanced CANDU Reactors (ACRs), etc.). Other non-limiting examples of nuclear reactors are power and research reactors, including, but not limited to, the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reactor, the MIT Nuclear Research Reactor (MITR), and the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR).

[0045] In this regard, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the source of the Mo materials disclosed herein is not particularly limited.

[0046] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a Ti—Mo material comprising a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates comprising a porous structure comprising a plurality of pores, channels, or both. In this regard, one or more of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates may independently comprise a porous structure comprising a plurality of pores, channels, or both (e.g., a porous matrix defined by individual Ti—Mo particles). The Ti—Mo material, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, may further comprise one or more inorganic salts (e.g., ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, and / or ammonium hydroxide), at least a portion of which may be disposed within the pores and / or channels of the porous structure (e.g., the porous matrix defined by individual Ti—Mo particles). In this regard, such embodiments of the present invention may, in some instances, include an intermediate product for further processing, if desired. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, for example, the average size of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates may include a minimum of any of the following: about 10, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 925, and 950 microns, and / or a maximum of about 1275, 1250, 1225, 1200, 1175, 1150, 1125, 1100, 1050, 1000, and 950 microns.

[0047] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a Ti—Mo material comprising a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates, one or more of which comprise a porous structure including a plurality of pores, channels, or both. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the Ti—Mo material has an elution efficiency of 30% or greater, 80% or greater, 90% or greater, or 95% or greater. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the Ti—Mo material can be placed in an elution column and equipped with a technetium-99m generator, and at least 90% (e.g., at least 95% or at least 99%) of the total technetium content can be released from the Ti—Mo material by passing an aqueous liquid (e.g., water, saline, dilute acid) through the Ti—Mo material. In this regard, certain embodiments of the present invention enable the use of larger elution columns (e.g., technetium-99m generators). For example, elution with a standard 20 milliliter saline solution can extract technetium from a much larger elution column than a standard 3 milliliter-sized elution column. Therefore, certain embodiments of the present invention allow for the achievement of target Tc-99m activity from lower than expected Mo activity, which in turn allows for the use of lower neutron flux reactors to provide commercially viable products to the industry, allowing a greater number of reactors to participate in suitable Mo production.

[0048] In this regard, certain embodiments of the present invention enable the use of elution columns (e.g., technetium-99m generators) larger than the standard 3 milliliter size (e.g., 5 mL, 10 mL, 12 mL, 15 mL, 20 mL, 25 mL, 30 mL, 60 mL, or 100 mL), such that the use of low neutron flux reactors to produce the desired target activity of technetium is now feasible. For example, low neutron flux reactors that were previously unavailable to generate sufficiently high specific activities of technetium for commercial purposes may now be feasibly utilized in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, a variety of nuclear reactors may be used to provide Mo for processing in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] As noted above, Ti—Mo materials according to certain embodiments of the present invention enable the use of elution columns larger than the standard 3 milliliter size (e.g., 5 mL, 10 mL, 12 mL, 15 mL, 20 mL, 25 mL, 30 mL, 60 mL, or 100 mL), such that the use of low-neutron flux reactors that produce the desired target activity of technetium is now feasible. Accordingly, the present invention also provides an elution pig configured to accept elution columns of various sizes that allow a variety of reactors (e.g., high- and / or low-neutron flux reactors) to be integrated into the supply chain for producing Tc-99m. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the elution pig can be configured to accept a variety of elution columns of different sizes, including 3 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL, 12 mL, 15 mL, 20 mL, 25 mL, 30 mL, 60 mL, 100 mL, or any combination thereof.

[0050] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a cask transfer case and process. To transport highly radioactive Mo material from a nuclear reactor to a site for chemical processing (e.g., addition to a titanium source), certain embodiments of the present invention provide a cask transfer case that can protect personnel from unwanted doses of radioactivity. The cask transfer case can safely load and transport Mo material from a reactor pool to a site for chemical processing, as well as unloaded Mo material. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cask transfer case 1000, including, for example, a housing (e.g., comprising lead) 1110 and a dial 1120 connected to a rotating shaft 1130 that protrudes at least partially through the body of the housing. As shown in FIG. 6, the dial 1120 can be rotated to indicate the operational status of the cask transfer case 1000. As shown in FIG. 6 , for example, “L1” indicates that the cask transfer case is in an operational state with radioactive material loaded into a first location via material inlet port 1140, as discussed in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 6 , cask transfer case 1000 includes multiple loading locations (e.g., “L1,” “L2,” and “L3”). For example, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 illustrating the internal structure of cask transfer case 1000 according to certain embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7 , material inlet port 1140 is operably connected to inlet conduit 1150. FIG. 7 illustrates, for example, radioactive Mo material 600 being inserted via inlet port 1140 and into inlet conduit 1150. As shown in FIG. 7 As shown, the rotation axis 1130 is connected to an internal conduit housing 1160, which defines one or more internal conduits 1170 defined by the internal conduit housing. In this regard, the one or more internal conduits 1170 extend the entire length of the internal conduit housing 1160. In this regard, the length of the one or more internal conduits 1170 exceeds the length of the material (e.g., radioactive Mo material 600) loaded therein, such that the internal conduit housing can freely rotate about the rotation axis 1130.According to certain embodiments of the present invention, one of the internal conduits 1170 can be aligned with the inlet conduit 1150 when the dial 1120 is positioned to indicate material loading. Thus, material (e.g., radioactive Mo material 600) to be loaded into the cask transfer case 1000 can be inserted through the inlet port 1140, moved through the inlet conduit 1150, and placed inside the aligned internal conduit 1170 (e.g., the bottom of the loaded material can be placed inside the bottom of the housing 1110 and confined by the internal conduit 1170). As shown in FIG. 7 , the housing 1110 also includes an outlet conduit 1180 located below the internal conduit housing 1160 so that material loaded into the cask transfer case can drop into and be released from the internal conduit 1170 when the dial is positioned to indicate a dropping material operating state (e.g., "D1," "D2," and "D3" in FIG. 7 ). In such an operational state, internal conduits 1170 may be aligned with outlet conduits 1180 such that loaded material falls from the internal conduits, passes through the outlet conduits, and exits cask transfer case 100 via outlet ports 1190. As illustrated by FIG. 6 , cask transfer case may include an operational state (e.g., “XFER” in FIG. 7 ) that indicates that the cask transfer case is ready to be transferred or that any loaded material therein may be repositioned without risk of exiting via inlet port 1140 or outlet port 1190. For example, when cask transfer case 1000 is in an operational state for transfer according to certain embodiments of the present invention, none of internal conduits 1170 are aligned with inlet conduits 1150 or outlet conduits 1180. That is, inlet conduit 1150 is not aligned with any of the internal conduits 1170, and / or outlet conduit 1180 is not aligned with any of the internal conduits 1170. In this regard, cask transfer case 1000 is considered safe to be repositioned to transport radioactive material disposed therein.

[0051] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the Ti-Mo material containing a plurality of Ti-Mo particulates may be irradiated prior to loading into the cask transfer case or elution column. This post-irradiation step can eliminate the optional step of irradiating a metallic molybdenum target earlier in the process. Of such post-irradiation process steps, conducting chemical processes without radiation control can be particularly advantageous in reducing or eliminating radioactive waste production and shortening processing times to achieve higher initial radioactivity of the metallic Mo particles.

[0052] Referring to the figures, Figure 8 is a method block diagram for producing titanium molybdate material. Figure 8 illustrates a post-irradiation state according to the present invention. As illustrated in Figure 8, the method includes step 820 of reacting a metallic Mo material with at least a first acid in a liquid medium to obtain a Mo composition. In step 830, the method includes combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti-Mo composition, and in step 840, adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition with a base to a pH of about 4 to about 9 to precipitate a plurality of Ti-Mo particles. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 8, before separating the plurality of Ti-Mo particles from the liquid medium in step 860, the Ti-Mo composition may optionally be subjected to step 850 of cooling the Ti-Mo composition. After step 860, the isolated Ti-Mo particles may be subjected to step 870 of exposing the plurality of Ti-Mo particles to thermal energy, followed by step 880 of milling the plurality of Ti-Mo particles. As illustrated by the detailed exemplary embodiment of Figure 8, the method may then include an optional step 890 of washing the plurality of Ti-Mo particles, followed by a second drying step 900. As shown in Figure 8, the method may then include an optional step 910 of re-milling (e.g., dry-milling) the dried Ti-Mo particles. As illustrated by the detailed exemplary embodiment of Figure 8, the method may then include an optional step 920 of irradiating the resulting Ti-Mo particles prior to loading into the elution column.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, the present invention may have the following configurations. [Article 1] 1. A method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti-Mo), comprising: reacting a metallic molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti-Mo composition; and adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti-Mo particulates. A method comprising: [Clause 2] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first acid comprises a mineral acid. [Article 3] 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the mineral acid is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrofluoric acid, boric acid, hydrobromic acid, perchloric acid, hydroiodic acid, halogen acids, and combinations thereof. [Article 4] 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the mineral acid is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof. [Article 5] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid medium comprises an aqueous medium. [Article 6] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of reacting the metallic Mo material in a liquid medium with a first acid is carried out at a molar ratio of Mo material to first acid ranging from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1. [Article 7] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of reacting the metallic Mo material in the liquid medium with the first acid subjects the metallic Mo material to oxidation, dissolution, or a combination of oxidation and dissolution. [Article 8] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of reacting the metallic Mo material in a liquid medium with a first acid subjects the metal oxide formed from the reaction to oxidation, dissolution, or a combination of oxidation and dissolution. [Article 9] 6. The method of clause 5, further comprising controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium by heating the aqueous medium, removing heat from the aqueous medium, or both. [Article 10] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises heating the aqueous medium to above 25°C. [Article 11] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below about 80°C. [Article 12] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below about 70°C. [Article 13] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below about 60°C. [Article 14] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below about 50°C. [Article 15] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below about 40°C. [Article 16] 10. The process of clause 9, further comprising agitating the metallic Mo material and the aqueous medium during at least a portion of the reaction. [Article 17] 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the agitating comprises mechanically mixing the metallic Mo material and the aqueous medium. [Article 18] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the titanium source comprises titanium chloride. [Article 19] 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the titanium chloride comprises titanium(III) chloride (TiCl), titanium(II) chloride (TiCl), titanium tetrachloride (TiCl), or any combination thereof. [Article 20] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein combining the Mo composition and the titanium source to obtain the Ti—Mo composition comprises adding the titanium source to the Mo composition. [Article 21] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of combining the Mo composition and the titanium source is carried out until a molar ratio of titanium to Mo of from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1 is reached. [Article 22] 21. The method of claim 20, wherein adding the titanium source to the Mo composition comprises adding the titanium source to the Mo composition in a form selected from the group consisting of droplets, a spray, a mist, and combinations thereof. [Article 23] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein combining the Mo composition and the titanium source to obtain the Ti—Mo composition further comprises adding a second acid to the Mo composition. [Article 24] 24. The method of clause 23, wherein the second acid comprises a mineral acid. [Article 25] 24. The method of clause 23, wherein the second acid comprises hydrochloric acid. [Article 26] 24. The method of claim 23, wherein adding the second acid occurs simultaneously with adding the titanium source to the Mo composition. [Article 27] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein at the end of the step of combining the Mo composition and the titanium source, the Ti-Mo composition has a final pH of about 3 or less. [Article 28] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition comprises adding a base to achieve a pH in the range of about 4 to about 9. [Article 29] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the base for adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition comprises ammonium hydroxide. [Article 30] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition comprises adding a base to the Ti—Mo composition dropwise. [Article 31] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising cooling the Ti—Mo composition during the step of adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition, after the step of adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition, or both. [Article 32] 32. The method of claim 31, wherein cooling the Ti-Mo composition comprises lowering the temperature of the Ti-Mo composition to about 0°C to about 20°C. [Article 33] 32. The method of claim 31, wherein cooling the Ti—Mo-99 composition comprises lowering the temperature of the Ti—Mo composition to about 3° C. to about 10° C. [Article 34] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising separating the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates from the liquid medium. [Article 35] 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of separating the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates from the liquid medium comprises filtering the Ti—Mo composition to retain at least a majority of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates. [Article 36] 36. The method of clause 35, wherein filtering the Ti—Mo composition comprises utilizing a metal filtering surface. [Article 37] 37. The method of claim 36, wherein at least a majority of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates are retained on the metal filtering surface. [Article 38] 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the Ti—Mo composition has a temperature of about 0° C. to about 20° C. during the step of separating the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates from the liquid medium. [Article 39] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising subjecting the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to thermal energy. [Article 40] 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of subjecting the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to thermal energy comprises exposing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to infrared radiation. [Article 41] 41. The method of clause 40, wherein the infrared radiation has a wavelength of from about 700 nm to about 1400 nm. [Article 42] 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of subjecting the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to thermal energy comprises exposing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to a sufficient amount of thermal energy to crystallize the plurality of solid inorganic salts. [Article 43] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates comprises a porous matrix, and at least a portion of the plurality of solid inorganic salts is present within the porous matrix. [Article 44] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising milling the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates. [Article 45] 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the milling step occurs after subjecting the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to thermal energy. [Article 46] 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the milling step comprises wet milling. [Article 47] 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates have an average size after milling ranging from about 10 microns to about 1275 microns. [Article 48] 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates have an average size after milling ranging from about 630 microns to about 1015 microns. [Article 49] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising washing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates with water. [Article 50] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising drying the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates. [Article 51] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising irradiating the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates. [Article 52] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising irradiating a metallic molybdenum target to obtain a metallic Mo material. [Article 53] 53. The method of clause 52, wherein the molybdenum metal target comprises a plurality of molybdenum metal disks, tubular capsule components, or both. [Article 54] 2. Titanium molybdate prepared by the method described in clause 1. [Article 55] 1. A method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti-Mo), comprising: wholly or partially oxidizing a metallic molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti-Mo composition; and adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti-Mo particulates. A method comprising: [Article 56] 56. Titanium molybdate prepared by the method described in clause 55. [Article 57] 1. A method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti-Mo), comprising: wholly or partially dissolving a metallic molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti-Mo composition; and adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti-Mo particulates. A method comprising: [Article 58] 1. A method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti-Mo), comprising: combining a metallic molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti-Mo composition; and adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti-Mo particulates. A method comprising: [Article 59] a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates comprising a structure including a plurality of pores, channels, or both; and One or more inorganic salts present in the structure Titanium molybdate (Ti-Mo) materials, including: [Article 60] 60. The material of clause 59, wherein the one or more inorganic salts include ammonium nitrate. [Article 61] 60. The material of clause 59, wherein the one or more inorganic salts are selected from the group consisting of ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, ammonium hydroxide, and combinations thereof. [Article 62] 60. The material of clause 59, wherein the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates have an average size ranging from about 10 microns to about 1275 microns. [Article 63] 60. The material of clause 59, wherein the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates have an average size ranging from about 630 microns to about 1015 microns. [Article 64] 60. The material of clause 59, wherein the Ti-Mo material has an elution efficiency of 30% or greater. [Article 65] 65. The material of clause 64, wherein the Ti-Mo material has an elution efficiency of 70% or greater. [Article 66] 66. The material of clause 65, wherein the Ti-Mo material has an elution efficiency of 80% or greater. [Article 67] 60. The material of clause 59, wherein the Ti-Mo material is placed in an elution column and at least 90% of the total technetium content is released from the Ti-Mo material by passing an aqueous liquid through the Ti-Mo material. [Article 68] 68. The material of clause 67, wherein the aqueous liquid is selected from the group consisting of water, saline, dilute acid, and combinations thereof. [Article 69] A cask transfer case comprising the titanium molybdate material described in clause 59. [Article 70] 59. A system for producing technetium comprising an elution column having a volume of at least 3 mL and the titanium molybdate material of claim 59. [Article 71] 71. The system of clause 70, wherein the elution column has a volume of more than 3 mL.

[0054] The present invention may additionally or alternatively have the following configurations. [Article 1] 1. A method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti-Mo), comprising: reacting a metallic molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti-Mo composition; and adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti-Mo particulates. A method comprising: [Clause 2] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first acid comprises a mineral acid. [Article 3] 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the mineral acid is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrofluoric acid, boric acid, hydrobromic acid, perchloric acid, hydroiodic acid, halogen acids, and combinations thereof. [Article 4] 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the mineral acid is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof. [Article 5] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid medium comprises an aqueous medium. [Article 6] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of reacting the metallic Mo-99 material in a liquid medium with a first acid is carried out at a molar ratio of Mo-99 material to first acid in the range of 0.1:1 to 10:1. [Article 7] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of reacting the metallic Mo-99 material in the liquid medium with the first acid subjects the metallic Mo-99 material to oxidation, dissolution, or a combination of oxidation and dissolution. [Article 8] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of reacting the metallic Mo-99 material in a liquid medium with a first acid oxidizes, dissolves, or a combination of oxidizes and dissolves the metal oxide formed from the reaction. [Article 9] 6. The method of clause 5, further comprising controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium by heating the aqueous medium, removing heat from the aqueous medium, or both. [Article 10] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises heating the aqueous medium to above 25°C. [Article 11] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below 80°C. [Article 12] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below 70°C. [Article 13] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below 60°C. [Article 14] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below 50°C. [Article 15] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below 40°C. [Article 16] 10. The process of clause 9, further comprising agitating the metallic Mo-99 material and the aqueous medium during at least a portion of the reaction. [Article 17] 17. The method of clause 16, wherein the agitating comprises mechanically mixing the metallic Mo-99 material and the aqueous medium. [Article 18] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the titanium source comprises titanium chloride. [Article 19] 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the titanium chloride comprises titanium(III) chloride (TiCl), titanium(II) chloride (TiCl), titanium tetrachloride (TiCl), or any combination thereof. [Article 20] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein combining the Mo composition and the titanium source to obtain the Ti—Mo composition comprises adding the titanium source to the Mo composition. [Article 21] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of combining the Mo composition and the titanium source is carried out until a molar ratio of titanium to Mo of from 0.1:1 to 10:1 is reached. [Article 22] 21. The method of claim 20, wherein adding the titanium source to the Mo composition comprises adding the titanium source to the Mo composition in a form selected from the group consisting of droplets, a spray, a mist, and combinations thereof. [Article 23] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein combining the Mo composition and the titanium source to obtain the Ti—Mo composition further comprises adding a second acid to the Mo composition. [Article 24] 24. The method of clause 23, wherein the second acid comprises a mineral acid. [Article 25] 24. The method of clause 23, wherein the second acid comprises hydrochloric acid. [Article 26] 24. The method of claim 23, wherein adding the second acid occurs simultaneously with adding the titanium source to the Mo composition. [Article 27] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein at the end of the step of combining the Mo composition and the titanium source, the Ti-Mo composition has a final pH of 3 or less. [Article 28] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition comprises adding a base to bring the pH to a range of 4 to 9. [Article 29] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the base for adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition comprises ammonium hydroxide. [Article 30] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition comprises adding a base to the Ti—Mo composition dropwise. [Article 31] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising cooling the Ti—Mo composition during the step of adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition, after the step of adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition, or both. [Article 32] 32. The method of claim 31, wherein cooling the Ti-Mo composition comprises lowering the temperature of the Ti-Mo composition to between 0°C and 20°C. [Article 33] 32. The method of claim 31, wherein cooling the Ti—Mo composition comprises lowering the temperature of the Ti—Mo composition to between 3° C. and 10° C. [Article 34] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising separating the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates from the liquid medium. [Article 35] 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of separating the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates from the liquid medium comprises filtering the Ti—Mo composition to retain at least a majority of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates. [Article 36] 36. The method of clause 35, wherein filtering the Ti—Mo composition comprises utilizing a metal filtering surface. [Article 37] 37. The method of claim 36, wherein at least a majority of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates are retained on the metal filtering surface. [Article 38] 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the Ti—Mo composition has a temperature of 0° C. to 20° C. during the step of separating the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates from the liquid medium. [Article 39] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising subjecting the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to thermal energy. [Article 40] 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of subjecting the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to thermal energy comprises exposing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to infrared radiation. [Article 41] 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the infrared radiation has a wavelength of 700 nm to 1400 nm. [Article 42] 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of subjecting the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to thermal energy comprises exposing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to a sufficient amount of thermal energy to crystallize the plurality of solid inorganic salts. [Article 43] 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates comprises a porous matrix, and at least a portion of the plurality of solid inorganic salts is present within the porous matrix. [Article 44] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising milling the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates. [Article 45] 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the milling step occurs after subjecting the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to thermal energy. [Article 46] 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the milling step comprises wet milling. [Article 47] 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates have an average size after milling in the range of 10 microns to 1275 microns. [Article 48] 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates have an average size after milling in the range of 630 microns to 1015 microns. [Article 49] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising washing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates with water. [Article 50] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising drying the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates. [Article 51] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising irradiating the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates. [Article 52] 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising irradiating a metallic molybdenum target to obtain metallic Mo-99 material. [Article 53] 53. The method of clause 52, wherein the molybdenum metal target comprises a plurality of molybdenum metal disks, tubular capsule components, or both. [Article 54] 1. A method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti-Mo), comprising: wholly or partially oxidizing a metallic molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti-Mo composition; and adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti-Mo particulates. A method comprising: [Article 55] 1. A method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti-Mo), comprising: dissolving metallic molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) material in a liquid medium, either wholly or partially, with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti-Mo composition; and adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti-Mo particulates. A method comprising: [Article 56] 1. A method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti-Mo), comprising: combining a metallic molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti-Mo composition; and adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti-Mo particulates. A method comprising: [Article 57] a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates comprising a structure including a plurality of pores, channels, or both; and One or more inorganic salts present in the structure Titanium molybdate (Ti-Mo-99) materials, including: [Article 58] 58. The material of clause 57, wherein the one or more inorganic salts include ammonium nitrate. [Article 59] 58. The material of clause 57, wherein the one or more inorganic salts are selected from the group consisting of ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, ammonium hydroxide, and combinations thereof. [Article 60] 58. The material of clause 57, wherein the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates have an average size ranging from 10 microns to 1275 microns. [Article 61] 58. The material of clause 57, wherein the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates have an average size ranging from 630 microns to 1015 microns. [Article 62] 58. The material of clause 57, wherein the Ti-Mo-99 material has a technetium elution efficiency of 30% or greater. [Article 63] 63. The material of clause 62, wherein the Ti-Mo-99 material has a technetium elution efficiency of 70% or greater. [Article 64] 64. The material of clause 63, wherein the Ti-Mo-99 material has a technetium elution efficiency of 80% or greater. [Article 65] 58. The material of clause 57, wherein the Ti-Mo-99 material is placed in an elution column and at least 90% of the total technetium content is released from the Ti-Mo-99 material by passing an aqueous liquid through the Ti-Mo-99 material. [Article 66] 66. The material of clause 65, wherein the aqueous liquid is selected from the group consisting of water, saline, dilute acid, and combinations thereof. [Article 67] A cask transfer case comprising the titanium molybdate material described in clause 57. [Article 68] 58. A system for producing technetium comprising an elution column having a volume of at least 3 mL and the titanium molybdate material of clause 57. [Article 69] 69. The system of clause 68, wherein the elution column has a volume of more than 3 mL.

[0055] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention can be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchangeable in whole or in part. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the invention as further set forth in such appended claims. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the illustrative descriptions contained herein.

Claims

1. 1. A method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti—Mo), comprising: reacting a metallic molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti—Mo composition; and adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particles; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first acid comprises a mineral acid.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the mineral acid is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrofluoric acid, boric acid, hydrobromic acid, perchloric acid, hydroiodic acid, halogen acids, and combinations thereof.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the mineral acid is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the liquid medium comprises an aqueous medium.

6. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of reacting the metallic Mo-99 material in the liquid medium with the first acid is carried out at a molar ratio of the Mo-99 material to the first acid in the range of 0.1:1 to 10:

1.

7. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein reacting the metallic Mo-99 material in the liquid medium with the first acid subjects the metallic Mo-99 material to oxidation, dissolution, or a combination of oxidation and dissolution.

8. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein reacting the metallic Mo-99 material in the liquid medium with the first acid oxidizes, dissolves, or a combination of oxidizes and dissolves the metal oxide formed from the reaction.

9. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium by heating the aqueous medium, removing heat from the aqueous medium, or both.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises heating the aqueous medium to above 25°C.

11. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below 80°C.

12. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below 70°C.

13. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below 60°C.

14. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below 50°C.

15. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below 40°C.

16. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising agitating the metallic Mo-99 material and the aqueous medium during at least a portion of the reaction.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein agitating comprises mechanically mixing the metallic Mo-99 material and the aqueous medium.

18. The method of claim 1 , wherein the titanium source comprises titanium chloride.

19. The titanium chloride is titanium(III) chloride (TiCl ３ ), titanium(II) chloride (TiCl ２ ), titanium tetrachloride (TiCl ４ 20. The method of claim 18, comprising:

20. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein combining the Mo composition and the titanium source to obtain the Ti-Mo composition comprises adding the titanium source to the Mo composition.

21. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of combining the Mo composition and the titanium source is carried out until a molar ratio of titanium to Mo of from 0.1:1 to 10:1 is reached.

22. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein adding the titanium source to the Mo composition comprises adding the titanium source to the Mo composition in a form selected from the group consisting of droplets, a spray, a mist, and combinations thereof.

23. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein combining the Mo composition and the titanium source to obtain the Ti-Mo composition further comprises adding a second acid to the Mo composition.

24. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the second acid comprises a mineral acid.

25. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the second acid comprises hydrochloric acid.

26. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein adding the second acid occurs simultaneously with adding the titanium source to the Mo composition.

27. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein at the end of the step of combining the Mo composition and the titanium source, the Ti-Mo composition has a final pH of 3 or less.

28. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition comprises adding a base to bring the pH to a range of 4 to 9.

29. The method of claim 1, wherein the base for adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition comprises ammonium hydroxide.

30. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of adjusting the pH of the Ti-Mo composition comprises adding the base dropwise to the Ti-Mo composition.

31. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising cooling the Ti—Mo composition during the step of adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition, after the step of adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition, or both.

32. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein cooling the Ti-Mo composition comprises lowering the temperature of the Ti-Mo composition to between 0°C and 20°C.

33. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein cooling the Ti-Mo composition comprises lowering the temperature of the Ti-Mo composition to between 3°C and 10°C.

34. The method of claim 1 further comprising separating the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates from the liquid medium.

35. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein separating the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates from the liquid medium comprises filtering the Ti-Mo composition to retain at least a majority of the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates.

36. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein filtering the Ti-Mo composition comprises utilizing a metal filtering surface.

37. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein at least a majority of the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates are retained on the metal filtering surface.

38. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the Ti-Mo composition has a temperature of from 0° C. to 20° C. during the step of separating the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates from the liquid medium.

39. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of subjecting the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to thermal energy.

40. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein subjecting the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates to thermal energy comprises exposing the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates to infrared radiation.

41. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the infrared radiation has a wavelength of 700 nm to 1400 nm.

42. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of subjecting the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to thermal energy comprises exposing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to a sufficient amount of thermal energy to crystallize a plurality of solid inorganic salts.

43. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates comprises a porous matrix, and at least a portion of the plurality of solid inorganic salts is present within the porous matrix.

44. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of milling the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates.

45. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the milling step occurs after subjecting the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates to thermal energy.

46. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the milling step comprises wet milling.

47. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates have an average size after milling ranging from 10 microns to 1275 microns.

48. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates have an average size after milling ranging from 630 microns to 1015 microns.

49. The method of claim 1 further comprising washing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates with water.

50. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of drying the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates.

51. The method of claim 1 further comprising irradiating the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates.

52. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising irradiating a metallic molybdenum target to obtain said metallic Mo-99 material.

53. 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the molybdenum metal target comprises a plurality of molybdenum metal disks, tubular capsule components, or both.

54. 1. A method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti—Mo), comprising: wholly or partially oxidizing a metallic molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti—Mo composition; and adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particles; A method comprising:

55. 1. A method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti—Mo), comprising: wholly or partially dissolving a metallic molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti—Mo composition; and adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particles; A method comprising:

56. 1. A method for producing titanium molybdate (Ti—Mo), comprising: combining a metallic molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to obtain a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to obtain a Ti—Mo composition; and adjusting the pH of the Ti—Mo composition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particles; A method comprising:

57. a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates comprising a structure including a plurality of pores, channels, or both; and One or more inorganic salts present in the structure Titanium molybdate (Ti-Mo-99) material, including:

58. 58. The material of claim 57, wherein the one or more inorganic salts comprise ammonium nitrate.

59. 58. The material of claim 57, wherein the one or more inorganic salts are selected from the group consisting of ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, ammonium hydroxide, and combinations thereof.

60. 58. The material of claim 57, wherein the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates have an average size ranging from 10 microns to 1275 microns.

61. 58. The material of claim 57, wherein the average size of the plurality of Ti-Mo particulates ranges from 630 microns to 1015 microns.

62. 58. The material of claim 57, wherein the Ti-Mo-99 material has a technetium elution efficiency of 30% or greater.

63. 63. The material of claim 62, wherein the Ti-Mo-99 material has a technetium elution efficiency of 70% or greater.

64. 64. The material of claim 63, wherein the Ti-Mo-99 material has a technetium elution efficiency of 80% or greater.

65. 58. The material of claim 57, wherein the Ti-Mo-99 material is placed in an elution column and at least 90% of the total technetium content is released from the Ti-Mo-99 material by passing an aqueous liquid through the Ti-Mo-99 material.

66. 66. The material of claim 65, wherein the aqueous liquid is selected from the group consisting of water, saline, dilute acid, and combinations thereof.

67. 58. A cask transfer case comprising the titanium molybdate material of claim 57.

68. 58. A system for producing technetium, comprising: an elution column having a volume of at least 3 mL; and the titanium molybdate material of claim 57.

69. 69. The system of claim 68, wherein the elution column has a volume of greater than 3 mL.

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