Rational regulation strategies toward perovskite precursor inks and perovskite films from the lab to commercialization

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted extensive attention due to their outstanding advantages, including high efficiency, low cost, and ease of fabrication. Within over a decade, the power conversion efficiency of laboratory-scale PSCs has risen from 3.8% to 26.7%, rivaling that of conventional silicon solar cells. Accelerating the commercialization of PSCs has become a shared goal of researchers and industry professionals alike. However, the transition from small-area devices to large-area modules is often accompanied by significant performance losses, primarily due to the challenges in achieving high-quality scalable perovskite absorber layers. This review focuses on strategies for improving the quality of large-area perovskite films, emphasizing the critical role of rational regulation of perovskite precursor inks. We summarize scalable deposition techniques, including solution-based and vacuum-based methods, and discuss effective approaches for producing uniform, especially, high-quality perovskite films via meniscus-coating processes from the perspectives of ink fluid dynamics and crystallization kinetics. Furthermore, we highlight the crucial influence of solvent selection and additive engineering on ink spreading behaviour, internal fluid flows during drying, and crystallization process. Finally, we review recent advances in synergistically regulating precursor inks to address environmental and stability challenges for industrial production, briefly outline major breakthroughs achieved by leading perovskite companies and raise the most compelling issues for commercialization.