SIM² KU Leuven is offering a new PhD position in the field of solvent extraction of medical isotopes (through SCK CEN). We are looking for a candidate to start an exciting PhD with as title: Separation and purification of medical radioisotopes by solvent extraction in milliflow reactors.
Here is your opportunity to work together with some of the leading actors in the field, including Thomas Cardinaels (SCK CEN), Koen Binnemans (SOLVOMET R&I Centre / SIM2 KU Leuven) and Tom Van Gerven (PROCESS / SIM2 KU Leuven).
This project aims to develop innovative processes for extraction of medical radioisotopes from irradiated target materials by solvent extraction in milliflow reactors. Milliflow reactors offer the advantage of more efficient separations, fast processing times, low liquid hold-up volumes and thus lower waste volumes compared to conventional solvent extraction equipment such as mixer-settlers. The separation of scandium-47 from calcium-46 and the separation of actinium-225 from radium-226 are selected as model processes. Both scandium-47 and actinium-225 being high potential medical radioisotopes of the new generation for application in targeted radionuclide therapy. An integrated milliflow setup with in-line separators will be built to demonstrate the three different unit operations of extraction, scrubbing (removal of coextracted impurities) and stripping (back extraction) to demonstrate the full separation process. A comparison with other separation methods such as extraction chromatography or ion-exchange chromatography will be made. The student will learn how to safely work with radioactive materials in the context of production of medical radioisotopes and how to apply radiochemical and radioanalytical methods required for this research project.
The minimum diploma level of the candidate needs to be
Master of sciences, Master of sciences in engineering
The candidate needs to have a background in
Chemistry
Estimated duration
4 years
For more information follow this link: https://www.sckcen.be/en/sck-cen-academy/thesis-and-internship-topics/separation-and-purification-medical-radioisotopes-solvent-extraction-milliflow-reactors-3224-0
