Production of 166Ho through 164Dy(n,γ)165Dy(n, γ)166Dy(β−)166Ho and separation of 166Ho

After irradiation with thermal neutrons 164Dy produces 166Ho through the nuclear reaction: 164Dy(n,γ) 165Dy(n,γ) 166Dy 166Ho. 166Ho has been separated from the bulk dysprosium target with the help of HPLC using Aminex A7 ion exchanger resin and α-hydroxyisobutyric acid (α-HIBA) as the mobile phase. The separation was quantitative and without any contamination from the dysprosium target. Method has also been developed to produce holmium free of α-HIBA ligands. Attempts have been made to produce no-carrier-added recoiled 166Ho and 165Dy in water.