Preparation of low-activity 60Co sealed source based on zirconyl molybdopyrophosphate inorganic ion exchanger for radiometric calibration purposes

Zirconyl molybdopyrophosphate (ZMPP) inorganic ion exchanger was synthesized by precipitation and used for preparing a ⁶⁰Co sealed source. The distribution coefficient of ⁶⁰Co(II) ions on ZMPP was determined in relation to the HCl concentration. The saturation capacity of ZMPP for ⁶⁰Co(II) was determined by the batch method to be 1.33 mmol g^?1. The ZMPP ion exchanger was loaded with ⁶⁰Co radionuclides by equilibrating a ⁶⁰Co solution with 1 g of ZMPP at pH 5 (HCl) for 48 h at 25 ± 1°C. A sealed source of 1.04 ??Ci ⁶⁰Co (±5%) was prepared by packing 100 mg of the loaded matrix in the cylindrical cavity of a Chinese Artelone capsule. After radiometric standardization and encapsulation, the sealed source was submitted to quality control tests and finally checked radiometrically before release to the local market for calibration of radiation measurements and identification instruments.