Development of an electrochemical W/Re generator as a technique for separation and purification of Re in radiopharmaceutical applications.

In this study, a simple electrochemical procedure adaptable for using low specific activity W for separation and purification of Re from W to obtain no carrier added (NCA) Re is developed. The electrochemical parameters were optimized to maximize the Re electrodeposition yield with minimal W contamination. Two cycle electrolysis procedure was developed. The first electrochemical cell was used for separation of Re and in the second electrochemical cell, separation and purification of Re with >90% deposition yield of Re and minimal contamination of W (<10%) was achieved. The overall electrodeposition yield of Re was >90% with >99% radionuclidic purity and >99% radiochemical purity suitable for radiopharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, the performance of the generator remained consistent during a period of 69 days, one half-life of W, when the electrochemical separation procedure was performed frequently, at least once in 5 days.