We demonstrate control over the phase transition temperature
of
Ruddlesden–Popper two-dimensional (2D) perovskites by alloying
alkyl organic cations of varying lengths. By blending hexylammonium
with pentylammonium or heptylammonium cations in different ratios,
we continuously tune the phase transition temperature of 2D perovskites
from approximately 40 to −80 °C in both crystalline powders
and thin films. Correlating temperature-dependent grazing incidence
wide-angle X-ray scattering and photoluminescence spectroscopy, we
also demonstrate that the phase transition in the organic layer couples
to the inorganic lattice, impacting PL intensity and wavelength. We
take advantage of changes in PL intensity to image the dynamics of
this phase transition and show asymmetric phase growth at the microscale.
Our findings provide the necessary design principles to precisely
control phase transitions in 2D perovskites for applications such
as solid–solid phase change materials and barocaloric cooling.