Revealing the Role of Methylammonium Chloride for Improving the Performance of 2D Perovskite Solar Cells

Protocols for degradation assessment and stability enhancement in perovskite solar cells

Metal-halide perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) have shown extraordinary progress in power conversion efficiency, but their operational long-term stability is still far behind for successful industrialization. There are various environmental factors impacting the degradation of perovskite materials, which should be studied and understood within harsh measuring protocols. In addition, the relating degradation mechanisms under device operation must be correlated and comprehended. Here, we summarize and review various mechanisms of how perovskite degrades during measurement protocols that use combinations of illumination, ambient atmosphere, and thermal stress. We suggest effective strategies to improve long-term stability of perovskite materials based on crystallization modification, compositions, and surface engineering strategies. We believe that the proper utilization of the understanding on the degradation of perovskite crystals and methodologies that we review in this article to improve the operational stability of PeSCs may facilitate commercialization of PeSCs.

Guanidinium Iodide-Modified PEDOT:PSS Hole Transport Layer for Improving the Performance of 2D Perovskite Solar Cells

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has been widely used as a hole transporting layer (HTL) in two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite (RPP)-based solar cells (2D-PSCs) due to its simple preparation process and low cost. However, the devices based on PEDOT:PSS exhibit low efficiency and poor stability due to the number of buried interfacial defects, energy level mismatching, and corrosivity of the HTL. In this study, a guanidinium iodide (GAI)-modified PEDOT:PSS HTL was adopted to tune the crystallization of 2D RPPs, leading to the formation of 2D perovskite films with preferential crystal orientation, improved crystallinity, and suppressed defect density. The addition of GAI not only enhances the conductivity and intrinsic stability of PEDOT:PSS layers but also improves their energy level matching with those of 2D perovskite films. Upon GAI doping into PEDOT:PSS, the power conversion efficiency of 2D-PSCs increased from 13.11% to 16.04% and maintained 80% of its initial value under 65% relative humidity condition for 60 days. This work demonstrates a novel synergetic modification strategy and gives new insight into the underlying mechanism, which should lead to further improvements in the performance of 2D-PSCs and other optoelectronic devices based on 2D RPPs.

Constructing Type-II Band Alignment of 3D/2D Heterojunction for Improved Carrier Transport in Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells

High defect density and low stability remain significant obstacles in the development of efficient and stable 3D perovskite solar cells (PSCs), while 3D/2D hybrid PSCs have emerged as promising candidates due to their excellent environmental tolerance. However, the performance of 3D/2D PSCs might be further limited by carrier transport within the films caused by quasi-2D phases with multiple n-values. Herein, precrystallized 2D phenylethylamine lead iodide (PEA2PbI4) crystals and methylammonium chloride (MACl) were introduced into the bulk phase of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) to improve crystal quality and growth orientation. During the film formation process, 2D PEA2PbI4 delayed crystal nucleation and formed a 3D/2D mixed film. The as-formed type-II band alignment in the 2D/3D heterojunction film restricts the movement of charge carriers within the 3D phase lattice, avoiding the risk of being trapped by defects at the grain boundaries. Additionally, MACl facilitates vertical crystal growth, enlarging grain size and the thickness of perovskite films. Under the combined effect of 2D PEA2PbI4 and MACl, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the carbon-based PSCs increased from 10.53% to 16.07%. The unpackaged devices retained 90% of their initial PCE after storage for 30 days at room temperature and 40% relative humidity. These findings not only provide a facile way for the crystal tuning and defect passivation by low dimensional perovskites, but also give new insights into constructing efficient 3D/2D types of carbon-based PSCs.

Suppressing the Bottom Small n Phases of Quasi-2D Perovskites for High-Performance Photovoltaic Applications

The bottom small n phases in quasi-two-dimensional (Q-2D) perovskite films significantly hinder their photovoltaic performance development due to their severely low conductivity and nonideal band alignment in the corresponding solar cells. In this study, we successfully suppressed the growth of small n phases in Q-2D Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) perovskite (BA2MA4Pb5I16, ⟨n⟩ = 5) films by introducing 2,7-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)-9,9'-spirobifluorene (SPPO13) as an additive into the perovskite precursor solution. It is interesting to find that the hole transport layer poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA) in our p-i-n device can attract the SPPO13 due to the π-π stacking effect. As a result, the SPPO13 concentrates at the bottom, and the coordination between SPPO13 and PbI2 leads to more [PbI6]4- octahedra gathering at the downside of the Q-2D perovskite film. Thereby, more large n phases remain at the bottom, and the unwanted small n phases are suppressed. The optimized device achieves a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 18.41%, which, according to our knowledge, is the highest value for the BA-MA-based perovskite. Moreover, our device also demonstrates outstanding stability, maintaining 99.5% and 95.3% of the initial efficiency after being stored for over 3500 h and under maximum power point tracking operation for over 400 h, respectively. Unlike conventional methods that primarily address bulk or interface properties, this approach uniquely combines π-π stacking effects and defect passivation through phosphine oxide groups, leading to enhanced crystallinity, vertical orientation, and suppressed nonradiative recombination. This work provides a new approach to regulate n-phase growth and promote the photovoltaic behavior of Q-2D perovskite solar cells.

Progress of 2D Perovskite Solar Cells: Structure and Performance

2D perovskite has demonstrated great potential for application in photovoltaic devices due to the tunable energy bands, suppressed ion migration, and high stability. However, 2D perovskite solar cells (PSCs) display suboptimal efficiency in comparison to 3D perovskite solar cells, which can be attributed to the quantum confinement and dielectric confinement effects resulting from the intercalation of organic spacer cations into the perovskite lattice. This review starts with the fundamental structural characteristics, optoelectronic properties, and carrier transport dynamics of 2D PSCs, followed by the discussion of approaches to improve the photovoltaic performance of 2D PSCs, including the manipulation of crystal orientation, phase distribution, pure phase, organic layer, and device engineering. Then the advancements in the structural, humidity, thermal, and maximum power point tracking stability of 2D PSCs are summarized. Afterward, the applications of 2D perovskite in 2/3D PSCs to improve efficiency and stability are discussed. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between 2D perovskite structure and the performance of the resulting 2D PSCs, as well as offers insights for constructing efficient and stable 2/3D PSCs by integrating 2D and 3D perovskites.

Evolution of Two-Dimensional Perovskite Films Under Atmospheric Exposure and Its Impact on Photovoltaic Performance

Two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites (RPPs) have garnered significant attention due to their enhanced stability compared with their three-dimensional counterparts. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2D perovskite solar cells (2D-PSCs) remains lower than that of 3D-PSCs. Understanding the microstructural evolution of 2D perovskite films during fabrication is essential for improving their performance. This study demonstrates that exposing bare 2D perovskite films to the atmosphere during device fabrication can significantly enhance the PCE of 2D-PSCs. The performance improvement is primarily attributed to the gradual evaporation of organic butylammonium (BA+) spacer cations from the film as butylamine (BA) gas. This evaporation refines the film's composition and structure, leading to the spontaneous formation of larger-n phase RPPs, which exhibit superior carrier mobility. Consequently, the PCE of 2D-PSCs is enhanced. This work offers new insights into the structural evolution of 2D RPP films under ambient conditions and provides a feasible strategy for optimizing the performance of 2D-PSCs and other optoelectronic devices.

High-Sensitivity and Fast-Response Photomultiplication Type Photodetectors Based on Quasi-2D Perovskite Films for Weak-Light Detection

Photovoltaic photodiodes often face challenges in effectively harvesting electrical signals, especially when detecting faint light. In contrast, photomultiplication type photodetectors (PM-PDs) are renowned for their exceptional sensitivity to weak signals. Here, an advanced PM-PD is introduced based on quasi 2D Ruddlesden-Popper (Q-2D RP) perovskites, optimized for weak light detection at minimal operating voltages. The abundant traps at the Q-2D RP surface capture charge carriers, inducing a trap-assisted tunneling mechanism that leads to the photomultiplication (PM) effect. Deep-lying trap states within the Q-2D RP bulk accelerate charge carrier recombination, resulting in an outstanding rise/fall time of 1.14/1.72 µs for the PM-PDs. The PM-PD achieves a remarkable response level of up to 45.89 A W-1 and an extraordinary external quantum efficiency of 14400% at -1 V under an illumination of 1 µW cm- 2. The intrinsic high resistance of the Q-2D perovskite results in a low dark current, enabling an impressive detectivity of 4.23 × 1012 Jones based on noise current at -1 V. Furthermore, the practical application of PM-PDs has been demonstrated in weak-light, high-rate communication systems. These findings confirm the significant potential of PM-PDs based on Q-2D perovskites for weak light detection and suggest new directions for developing low-power, high-performance PM-PDs for future applications.

Rational Strategies to Improve the Efficiency of 2D Perovskite Solar Cells

In the quest for durable photovoltaic devices, 2D halide perovskites have emerged as a focus of extensive research. However, the reduced dimension in structure is accompanied by inferior optical-electrical properties, such as widened band gap, enhanced exciton binding energy, and obstructed charge transport. As a result, the efficiency of 2D perovskite solar cells (PSCs) lags significantly behind their 3D counterparts. To overcome these constraints, extensive investigations into materials and processing techniques are pursued rigorously to augment the efficiency of 2D PSCs. Herein, The cutting-edge delve into developments in 2D PSCs, with a focus on chemical and material engineering, as well as their structure and photovoltaic properties. The review starts with an introduction of the crystal structure, followed by the key evaluation criteria of 2D PSCs. Then, the strategies around solution chemical engineering, processing technique, and interface optimization, to simultaneously boost efficiency and stability are systematically discussed. Finally, the challenges and perspectives associated with 2D perovskites to provide insights into potential improvements in photovoltaic performance will be outlined.

Can thick metal-halide perovskite single crystals have narrower optical bandgaps with near-infrared absorption?

Metal-halide perovskite (MHP) single crystals are emerging as potential competitors to their polycrystalline thin-film counterparts. These materials have shown the specific feature of extended absorbance towards the near-infrared (NIR) region, which promises further extension of their applications in the field of photovoltaics and photodetectors. This notable expansion of absorbance has been explained by the narrower effective optical bandgap of MHP single crystals promoted by their large thickness over several micrometres to millimetres. Herein, the attributes of the material's thickness and the measurement technique used to estimate these characteristics are discussed to elucidate the actual origins of the extended absorbance of MHP single crystals. Contrary to the general belief of the narrower bandgap of the MHP single crystals, we demonstrate that the extended NIR absorption in the MHP single crystals mainly originates from the combination of unique below-bandgap absorption of MHPs, the thickness of single crystals, and the technical limitation of the spectrophotometer, with the key attributes of (i) significantly large thickness of the MHP single crystals by suppressing the transmitted light and (ii) the detector's limited dynamic range. Combining the theoretical and experimental characterizations, we clarify the significant role of the large thickness together with the limited sensitivity of the detector in promoting the well-known red shift of the absorption onset of the MHP single crystals. The observations evidently show that in some special circumstances, the acquired absorption spectrum cannot reliably represent the optical bandgap of MHP materials. This highlights some misinterpretations in the estimation of the narrower optical bandgap of the MHP single crystals from conventional optical methods, while the optical bandgap is an inherent property independent of the thickness. The proposed broad applications of the MHP single crystals are dictated by their fascinating properties, and therefore, a deep insight into these features should be considered besides device applications, because much of their property-function relationships are still ambiguous and a subject of debate.

Manipulation of Crystal Orientation and Phase Distribution of Quasi-2D Perovskite through Synergistic Effect of Additive Doping and Spacer Engineering

The diammonium precursor 1,4-phenylenedimethanammonium (PDMA) was used as a large organic spacer for the preparation of Dion-Jacobson-type quasi-2D perovskites (PDMA)(MA)n-1PbnI3n+1 (MA = methylammonium). Films with composition ⟨n⟩ = 5 comprised randomly orientated grains and multiple microstructural domains with locally differing n values. However, by mixing the Dion-Jacobson-type spacer PDMA and the Ruddlesden-Popper-type spacer propylammonium (PA), the crystal orientation in both the vertical and the horizonal directions became regulated. High crystallinity owing to well-matched interlayer distances was observed. Combining this spacer-engineering approach with the addition of methylammonium chloride (MACl) led to full vertical alignment of the crystal orientation. Moreover, the microstructural domains at the substrate interface changed from low-n (n = 1, 2, 3) to high-n (n = 4, 5), which may be beneficial for hole extraction at the interface between perovskite and hole transport layer due to a more finely tuned band alignment. Our work sheds light on manipulating the crystallization behavior of quasi-2D perovskite and further paves the way for highly stable and efficient perovskite devices.

Synergistic Passivation With Phenylpropylammonium Bromide for Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

Inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a promising technology for commercialization due to their reliable operation and scalable fabrication. However, in inverted PSCs, depositing a high-quality perovskite layer comparable to those realized in normal structures still presents some challenges. Defects at grain boundaries and interfaces between the active layer and carrier extraction layer seriously hinder the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of these cells. In this work, it is shown that synergistic bulk doping and surface treatment of triple-cation mixed-halide perovskites with phenylpropylammonium bromine (PPABr) can improve the efficiency and stability of inverted PSCs. The PPABr ligand is effective in eliminating halide vacancy defects and uncoordinated Pb2+ ions at both grain boundaries and interfaces. In addition, a 2D Ruddlesden-Popper (2D-RP) perovskite capping layer is formed on the surface of 3D perovskite by using PPABr post-treatment. This 2D-RP perovskite capping layer possesses a concentrated phase distribution ≈n = 2. This capping layer not only reduces interfacial non-radiative recombination loss and improves carrier extraction ability but also promotes stability and efficiency. As a result, the inverted PSCs achieve a champion PCE of over 23%, with an open-circuit voltage as high as 1.15 V and a fill factor of over 83%.

Elucidating the Origins of High Preferential Crystal Orientation in Quasi-2D Perovskite Solar Cells

Incorporating large organic cations to form 2D and mixed 2D/3D structures significantly increases the stability of perovskite solar cells. However, due to their low electron mobility, aligning the organic sheets to ensure unimpeded charge transport is critical to rival the high performances of pure 3D systems. While additives such as methylammonium chloride (MACl) can enable this preferential orientation, so far, no complete description exists explaining how they influence the nucleation process to grow highly aligned crystals. Here, by investigating the initial stages of the crystallization, as well as partially and fully formed perovskites grown using MACl, the origins underlying this favorable alignment are inferred. This mechanism is studied by employing 3-fluorobenzylammonium in quasi-2D perovskite solar cells. Upon assisting the crystallization with MACl, films with a degree of preferential orientation of 94%, capable of withstanding moisture levels of 97% relative humidity for 10 h without significant changes in the crystal structure are achieved. Finally, by combining macroscopic, microscopic, and spectroscopic studies, the nucleation process leading to highly oriented perovskite films is elucidated. Understanding this mechanism will aid in the rational design of future additives to achieve more defect tolerant and stable perovskite optoelectronics.

Spontaneous Formation of a Ligand-Based 2D Capping Layer on the Surface of Quasi-2D Perovskite Films

Two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden-Popper phase perovskites (RPPs) are attracting growing attention for photovoltaic applications due to their enhanced stability compared to three-dimensional (3D) perovskites. The superior tolerance of 2D RPPs films to moisture and oxygen is mainly attributed to the hydrophobic nature of the introduced long-chain spacer cations (ligands). In this work, it is revealed that a thin capping layer, consisting of self-assembled butylammonium ligands, is spontaneously formed on the top surface of a quasi-2D perovskite film prepared by conventional one-step hot casting. Based on morphological and crystallographic analyses of both the top/bottom surfaces and the interior of quasi-2D perovskite films, the formation process of the 2D capping layer and the assembly of RPPs, comprising both large and small slab thickness (large-n, small-n), is elucidated. The vertical orientation of RPPs that is required for sufficient charge transport for 2D perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is further verified. We propose that the surface capping layer is directly responsible for the long-term stability of 2D PSCs. This work provides detailed insight into the microstructure of quasi-2D RPPs films that should assist the development of strategies for unlocking the full potential of 2D perovskites for high-performance PSCs and other solid-state electronic devices.

The Pnictogen Bond, Together with Other Non-Covalent Interactions, in the Rational Design of One-, Two- and Three-Dimensional Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Metal Halide Perovskite Semiconducting Materials, and Beyond

The pnictogen bond, a somewhat overlooked supramolecular chemical synthon known since the middle of the last century, is one of the promising types of non-covalent interactions yet to be fully understood by recognizing and exploiting its properties for the rational design of novel functional materials. Its bonding modes, energy profiles, vibrational structures and charge density topologies, among others, have yet to be comprehensively delineated, both theoretically and experimentally. In this overview, attention is largely centered on the nature of nitrogen-centered pnictogen bonds found in organic-inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskites and closely related structures deposited in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) and the Inorganic Chemistry Structural Database (ICSD). Focusing on well-characterized structures, it is shown that it is not merely charge-assisted hydrogen bonds that stabilize the inorganic frameworks, as widely assumed and well-documented, but simultaneously nitrogen-centered pnictogen bonding, and, depending on the atomic constituents of the organic cation, other non-covalent interactions such as halogen bonding and/or tetrel bonding, are also contributors to the stabilizing of a variety of materials in the solid state. We have shown that competition between pnictogen bonding and other interactions plays an important role in determining the tilting of the MX6 (X = a halogen) octahedra of metal halide perovskites in one, two and three-dimensions. The pnictogen interactions are identified to be directional even in zero-dimensional crystals, a structural feature in many engineered ordered materials; hence an interplay between them and other non-covalent interactions drives the structure and the functional properties of perovskite materials and enabling their application in, for example, photovoltaics and optoelectronics. We have demonstrated that nitrogen in ammonium and its derivatives in many chemical systems acts as a pnictogen bond donor and contributes to conferring stability, and hence functionality, to crystalline perovskite systems. The significance of these non-covalent interactions should not be overlooked, especially when the focus is centered on the rationale design and discovery of such highly-valued materials.

PEDOT:PSS/CuCl Composite Hole Transporting Layer for Enhancing the Performance of 2D Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskite Solar Cells

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is a popular hole transport layer (HTL) in 2D Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) perovskite solar cell (PSCs) due to its highly conductive, transparent, and solution-processable characteristics. However, fundamental questions such as its strong acidity or mismatched energy level with the 2D RP photoactive layer often restrict the performance and stability of devices. Herein, copper chloride (CuCl), a common direct band gap semiconductor, is doped into PEDOT:PSS, lowering the acidity and tuning the work function of PEDOT:PSS. Due to the improved wettability and the existing chloride in the PEDOT:PSS/CuCl composite substrate, the coated 2D perovskite films exhibit uniform morphology, vertically oriented crystal growth, and enhanced crystallinity. In comparison with controlled devices, the PEDOT:PSS/CuCl based inverted 2D RP PSCs show a maximum power conversion efficiency of 13.36% and long-term stability. The modified PEDOT:PSS overcomes intrinsic imperfections by doping CuCl, indicating that it has a lot of promise for mass production in electrical devices.

Engineering van der Waals Materials for Advanced Metaphotonics

The outstanding chemical and physical properties of 2D materials, together with their atomically thin nature, make them ideal candidates for metaphotonic device integration and construction, which requires deep subwavelength light-matter interaction to achieve optical functionalities beyond conventional optical phenomena observed in naturally available materials. In addition to their intrinsic properties, the possibility to further manipulate the properties of 2D materials via chemical or physical engineering dramatically enhances their capability, evoking new science on light-matter interaction, leading to leaped performance of existing functional devices and giving birth to new metaphotonic devices that were unattainable previously. Comprehensive understanding of the intrinsic properties of 2D materials, approaches and capabilities for chemical and physical engineering methods, the resulting property modifications and novel functionalities, and applications of metaphotonic devices are provided in this review. Through reviewing the detailed progress in each aspect and the state-of-the-art achievement, insightful analyses of the outstanding challenges and future directions are elucidated in this cross-disciplinary comprehensive review with the aim to provide an overall development picture in the field of 2D material metaphotonics and promote rapid progress in this fast emerging and prosperous field.

Multifunctional Heterocyclic-Based Spacer Cation for Efficient and Stable 2D/3D Perovskite Solar Cells

Two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite materials have shown the enormous potential to achieve both efficient and stable photovoltaic devices for commercial applications. Unfortunately, the single function of spacer cations limits their further improvements in efficiency to reach values as high as those of 3D perovskites. Herein, we developed a new-type multifunctional heterocyclic-based spacer cation of 2-(methylthio)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (MTIm⁺) to achieve a synchronous improvement of efficiency and stability for 2D/3D perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Owing to the presence of special chemical groups (imidazole and methylthio), strong interactions have been found between MTIm⁺ and the 3D perovskite component, leading to an excellent passivation effect. More important, at the initial stage of crystallization, uniform nucleation distribution would be generated around the spacer cation, which is helpful for improved crystallinity and reduced growth defects. The smaller layer space compared to that of cations based on aromatic hydrocarbons caused effective carrier transfer between inorganic layers in 2D/3D perovskites. As a result, the 2D/3D (n = 30) PSCs based on MTIm exhibit a champion PCE up to 21.25% with a high V_oc of 1.14 V. Besides, the 2D/3D perovskite devices have realized dramatically enhanced humidity and thermal stability, maintaining 94% of the starting PCE enduring aging at about 50% RH for 2880 h and at 85 °C for 360 h, respectively. We believe that it would provide a significant strategy to further promote the photovoltaic performances and the long-term stability of 2D/3D perovskite devices toward future practical applications.

Charge-Carrier Transport in Quasi-2D Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskite Solar Cells

In recent years, 2D Ruddlesden-Popper (2DRP) perovskite materials have been explored as emerging semiconductor materials in solar cells owing to their excellent stability and structural diversity. Although 2DRP perovskites have achieved photovoltaic efficiencies exceeding 19%, their widespread use is hindered by their inferior charge-carrier transport properties in the presence of diverse organic spacer cations, compared to that of traditional 3D perovskites. Hence, a systematic understanding of the carrier transport mechanism in 2D perovskites is critical for the development of high-performance 2D perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, the recent advances in the carrier behavior of 2DRP PSCs are summarized, and guidelines for successfully enhancing carrier transport are provided. First, the composition and crystal structure of 2DRP perovskite materials that affect carrier transport are discussed. Then, the features of 2DRP perovskite films (phase separation, grain orientation, crystallinity kinetics, etc.), which are closely related to carrier transport, are evaluated. Next, the principal direction of carrier transport guiding the selection of the transport layer is revealed. Finally, an outlook is proposed and strategies for enhancing carrier transport in high-performance PSCs are rationalized.

2D Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Quantum Well Materials and Their Dramatical X-ray Optoelectronic Properties

Two-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (2D OIHPs) have attracted extensive attention in the field of X-ray detection due to their excellent stability compared to traditional three-dimensional OIHPs and the strong optoelectronic response to X-ray along the quantum wells. In this review, the nucleation and growth process as well as intermolecular forces for controlling out-of-plane growth are summarized along with the oriented growth mechanism. The optoelectronic properties in 2D OIHP under irradiation of X-ray are also discussed. Finally, conclusions and outlook for orientation 2D OIHP quantum wells and their challenges in application of direct X-ray detection are given. This review will provide a basic understanding on the strategy of designing 2D OIHP thick films as promising X-ray photoconductors, which may inspire the development of next-generation X-ray detectors.

High-Quality Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskite Film Formation for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells

In the last decade, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have undergone unprecedented rapid development and become a promising candidate for a new-generation solar cell. Among various PSCs, typical 3D halide perovskite-based PSCs deliver the highest efficiency but they suffer from severe instability, which restricts their practical applications. By contrast, the low-dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) perovskite-based PSCs have recently raised increasing attention due to their superior stability. Yet, the efficiency of RP perovskite-based PSCs is still far from that of the 3D counterparts owing to the difficulty in fabricating high-quality RP perovskite films. In pursuit of high-efficiency RP perovskite-based PSCs, it is critical to manipulate the film formation process to prepare high-quality RP perovskite films. This review aims to provide comprehensive understanding of the high-quality RP-type perovskite film formation by investigating the influential factors. On this basis, several strategies to improve the RP perovskite film quality are proposed via summarizing the recent progress and efforts on the preparation of high-quality RP perovskite film. This review will provide useful guidelines for a better understanding of the crystallization and phase kinetics during RP perovskite film formation process and the design and development of high-performance RP perovskite-based PSCs, promoting the commercialization of PSC technology.