Production of highly purified 212pb

A method of generating a radioisotope, the method comprising:

• positioning a solid precursor isotope source within a container comprising a collector surface, wherein the solid precursor isotope source comprises a porous ceramic material encapsulating a solid precursor isotope and wherein the solid precursor isotope is selected from the group consisting of 232Th, 228Ra, 228Ac, 228Th and 224Ra, wherein the container contains a gas tight seal that blocks fluid coupling between the solid precursor isotope source positioned within the container and the collector surface of the container;
• fluidly coupling the collector surface of the container to the solid precursor isotope by unsealing the gas tight seal;
• allowing a gaseous progeny isotope to emanate from the solid precursor isotope into the container;
• and
• allowing a solid progeny isotope of the gaseous progeny isotope to deposit on the collector surface,
• wherein the solid progeny isotope is a lead 212 isotope (212Pb), and
• wherein the solid precursor isotope source does not contact the collector surface throughout the method.

A method of generating a radioisotope, the method comprising:

• sliding a rod holding a 228Th solid precursor isotope source from a closed position to an open position, wherein in the closed position, the rod forms a gas tight seal with a tube in which the rod slides, and in the open position, the 228Th solid precursor isotope source is positioned within a container comprising a collector surface;
• allowing a 220Rn gaseous progeny isotope to emanate from the 228Th solid precursor isotope source into the container;
• allowing a 212Pb solid progeny isotope of the 220Rn gaseous progeny isotope to deposit on the collector surface;
• sliding the rod from the open position to the closed position to isolate the 228Th solid precursor isotope source from the collector surface;
• and collecting the 212Pb solid progeny isotope from the collector surface.