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Illustration of different stages and roles of solvents used during thin film processing by solution-based methods such as slot-die coating. Initially, in stage I, solvents are chosen to achieve good solubility of precursor components in often high molar concentrations. During the drying process, stage II, the rheology of the precursor ink critically determines the homogeneity of the coated wet-film. During solvent removal or drying, stage III, solvent molecules need to be removed in a fashion favorable to promote thin film formation during which also solid intermediate phases might form, which are then converted into the final thin-film during annealing (stage IV).

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