Publication date: 16th July 2025
The solution-based fabrication of reproducible, high-quality lead iodide perovskite films demands a detailed understanding of the crystallization dynamics, which is mainly determined by the perovskite precursor solution and its processing conditions. We conducted a systematic in situ study during the critical phase before the nucleation in solution to elucidate the formation dynamics of lead iodide perovskite films. Using UV absorption spectroscopy during spin coating allows us to track the evolution of iodoplumbate complexes present in the precursor solution. We find that prior to film formation, a novel absorption signature at 3.15 eV arises. We attribute this to the emergence of a PbI2-DMF solvated (PDS) phase. The amount of PDS phase is closely connected to the concentration of the solution layer during spin coating. We also propose that PDS clusters are a predecessor of crystalline perovskite phases and act as nucleation seeds in the precursor solution. In this way, our work provides insights into the early stages of perovskite crystallization.