Photoelectrochemical Cells

Introduction

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell is a device that couples controlled illumination with electrochemistry to convert solar energy into electricity or drive light-assisted chemical reactions. A typical setup includes a photoactive semiconductor working electrode (photoanode or photocathode), a counter electrode, and an electrolyte. When the semiconductor is irradiated with light equal to or greater than its bandgap, electron–hole pairs form. In power-producing PECs, photogenerated charge carriers are collected through an external circuit. In photoelectrolytic configurations, those charges participate directly in redox reactions—such as water splitting, where holes oxidise water at the photoanode and electrons reduce protons to hydrogen at the cathode. Key material criteria include a suitable bandgap and band positions, good conductivity, catalytic activity, stability, and practical considerations such as cost and earth abundance. ScienceGears’ range spans sealed or unsealed glass/PTFE cells, jacketed cells for temperature control, full-quartz cells with multi-side optical access, and H-type cells with membrane separation. Window diameters are commonly ~24 mm; typical capacities are 50–150 mL.

Key Features & Specifications

• Optical access: Quartz windows typically Ø24 mm; some cells offer four-side optical access in all-quartz formats.
• Formats: Sealed or unsealed single-chamber cells; jacketed cells with water circulation; H-type cells (single or double optical channels), including 3-port versions.
• Volumes: Common 50, 100, 150 mL options; select H-type or single-channel models up to 250 mL.
• Replaceable optics/membranes: Many designs allow quick replacement of quartz windows and ion-exchange membranes.
• Temperature control: Jacketed cells support water-bath circulation for stable thermoregulation.
• Electrode compatibility: L-shaped working electrodes or electrode clamps are recommended on several models.

Applications

• Photoelectrochemistry and solar fuels (water splitting, CO₂ reduction)
• Semiconductor/photocatalyst screening under controlled illumination
• Spectroelectrochemistry with optical access for in-situ measurements
• Membrane-separated reactions or studies requiring isolated anolyte/catholyte (H-type)

Material Options

• Glass/PTFE cells: practical, corrosion-resistant options with replaceable quartz windows; available sealed or unsealed.
• Jacketed glass cells: enable water-bath temperature control during illumination.
• Full-quartz cells: fused quartz bodies with four-side light entry for flexible beam geometries and imaging.
• H-type (membrane) cells: single- or double-channel optical paths with quick-swap membranes.

Advantages of Buying from ScienceGears

• Local ANZ technical support and pre-purchase configuration guidance
• Fast supplier coordination for custom volumes/windows/ports
• Seamless compatibility advice with potentiostats, light sources, and holders you already own
• Quote-first model—no public pricing; we tailor each configuration to your experiment

FAQs

1. Sealed vs unsealed—when should I choose each?
Sealed cells minimise evaporation and contamination during longer experiments; unsealed variants simplify rapid access and rinsing between runs. Both formats are available with replaceable quartz windows.

2. What window sizes are standard?
Most models use ~Ø24 mm quartz windows; full-quartz cells provide multi-side optical access for beam alignment or imaging.

3. Do you offer temperature-controlled PEC cells?
Yes—jacketed versions support water-circulation for stable thermal control during illumination.

4. Can I separate anode/cathode compartments?
Choose H-type cells with ion-exchange membranes; single- or double-optical-channel designs are available.

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Tell us your light source, electrode format, and required volume. We’ll configure the right PEC cell and send a tailored quote within one business day.