A method for preparing photoactive perovskite materials. The method comprises the step of preparing a lead halide precursor ink. Preparing a lead halide precursor ink comprises the steps of: introducing a lead halide into a vessel, introducing a first solvent to the vessel, and contacting the lead halide with the first solvent to dissolve the lead halide. The method further comprises depositing the lead halide precursor ink onto a substrate, drying the lead halide precursor ink to form a thin film, annealing the thin film, and rinsing the thin film with a second solvent and a salt.