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Description
This study compares the production of $^{68}\text{Ge}$ using proton irradiation on two types of targets: an electroplated gallium-nickel alloy solid target and a niobium-encapsulated capsule with natural gallium. The alloy target was prepared on copper via electroplating, while the capsule was designed and fabricated to be irradiated in a cyclotron. The generated $^{68}\text{Ge}$ was then separated and purified using resin columns. Results show the electroplated target had a smooth surface and good adhesion, but its low loading capacity and vulnerability to thermal damage limit its use for large-scale production. The niobium-encapsulated target, with its higher loading capacity, improved stability and safety under irradiation, though it requires precise welding and sealing due to gallium's low melting point. For the separation and purification of $^{68}\text{Ge}$, the dissolution of the electroplated target is an open operation that introduces significant impurities, necessitating a combined purification process using both chelating and gel resins. In contrast, the niobium-encapsulated target allows for a closed operation, resulting in lower impurity levels and offering distinct advantages for subsequent purification.
