Photoelectrochemical CO₂ Reduction Flow Cell with Quartz Window

Overview and working principle

The Photoelectrochemical (PEC) CO₂ Reduction Flow Cell is a compact, modular reactor designed to combine controlled illumination, gas-fed CO₂ delivery, and three-electrode electrochemistry in a sealed, serviceable stack. CO₂ is delivered through an integrated flow-field / flow plate to the gas side of a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) or membrane–electrode (MEA-style) working electrode, forming a stable three-phase interface (gas–catalyst–electrolyte). Illumination is introduced through a chemically robust quartz optical window, enabling photoelectrode alignment and repeatable light exposure during PEC CO₂ reduction experiments.

Cell architecture and key features

• Working / photoelectrode chamber (cathode side): gasketed, clamped stack for consistent compression, stable wetting, and reliable sealing.
• Quartz window module: removable and replaceable for cleaning and maintenance; provides high optical transmission and chemical resistance.
• Reference electrode location: positioned in the main electrolyte compartment near the working region to support accurate potential control and reduced uncompensated resistance.
• Separate counter electrode compartment (anode side): physically isolates anodic reactions to reduce cross-interference and improve selectivity interpretation (especially important for CO₂R product analysis).
• Three-electrode compatible: working (photoelectrode/GDE), reference (main chamber), counter (separate compartment).
  
  

Compatibility and typical use

Compatible with catalyst-coated carbon paper/cloth, PTFE-treated GDLs, protected semiconductor photocathodes, and MEA-style assemblies. Typical electrodes include Pt mesh/foil/wire or carbon-based counters, and common reference formats (e.g., Ag/AgCl for aqueous, Ag/Ag⁺ for non-aqueous systems).

Applications and why ScienceGears

Ideal for gas-fed PEC CO₂ reduction catalyst screening, membrane and flow-field comparison studies, and experiments requiring cleaner separation of anode/cathode products. Similar GDE-PEC flow cell concepts are used internationally; ScienceGears supports AU/NZ researchers with local supply, documentation, and integration with related platforms such as potentiostats, electrochemical cell accessories, and spectroscopy-enabled electrochemical setups.