Efficient Reactor Irradiation Production Technology for Ra-223

Ra-223 is an important bone-targeted alpha therapeutic radionuclide, and reactor-based production via the Ac-227/Ra-223 generator route offers a clear and sustainable process. However, limited Ac-227 accumulation and the formation of Th-228 impurities remain key challenges. Based on the JRR-3 research reactor, this study applies refined neutron-spectrum analysis to identify energy regions affecting Ac-227 production and Th-228 impurity generation, and further develops filter-material-based spectrum-optimization schemes. The results show that RbClO 4 doping increases Ac-227 accumulation by 12.682%, while GdF 3 doping reduces Th-228 accumulation by 28.852% with a 2.869% loss in Ac-227. A dual-material scheme using Ta + TmF 3 achieves a balanced effect, increasing Ac-227 by 6.626% while reducing Th-228 by 3.289%.