Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 December 2018
In this study, we report developments towards the application of large zeolite particles, with diameter ca. 40 μm, as tracers in Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) imaging using 68Ga. The influence of intrapore Na+ and TEA+ (tetraethylammonium) cation concentrations and framework Si/Al ratio on the morphology of mordenite particles has been investigated, advancing understanding of the relationship between these factors. Moreover, the influence of ethanol concentration in the gel during aging on intrapore cation concentration, Si/Al ratio and particle morphology has also been investigated. Additionally, facile ion-exchange between aqueous Ga3+ and intrapore H+ in mordenite has been demonstrated. The influence of pH and gallium speciation on ion-exchange has been investigated to determine favourable conditions for 68Ga3+ uptake by the zeolite.