LaBr₃:Ce³⁺ is a superior scintillation crystal with incomparable scintillation properties. However, the high cost of crystal manufacturing blocks its wide applications. A costless method for mass production of high purity anhydrous LaBr₃ and CeBr₃, which are essential raw materials for crystal growth but extremely hygroscopic, is critical to the future development of LaBr₃:Ce³⁺ crystal. In this paper, we presented our recent work on the preparation of high purity anhydrous LaBr₃ and CeBr₃ by the ammonium-bromide route. Using La₂O₃, Ce₂(CO₃)₃, NH₄Br and HBr acid as raw materials, high purity anhydrous LaBr₃ and CeBr₃ were successfully obtained. The detailed preparation conditions,including the optimum formula of the raw materials in use and the detailed dehydration procedures, were introduced. The as-prepared anhydrous products were characterized by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The purity of them was evaluated by measurements of impurities such as water, oxygen and other trace metals. Results show that the purity of the as-prepared LaBr₃ and CeBr₃ is above 99.99% and 99.95%, respectively. The ammonium-bromide method shows great potential for low-cost industrial production of these anhydrous bromides.

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