Photoelectrocatalysis: moving toward continuous flow!

Against the backdrop of the "dual‑carbon" targets and the transition to clean energy, photoelectrocatalysis has become a hot research direction in the fields of new energy and environmental protection. Whether for water splitting for H₂/O₂ production, CO₂ reduction, or small‑molecule electrolysis and pollutant degradation, researchers aim to construct gas–solid–liquid three‑phase interface systems that better approximate real reaction conditions to achieve high efficiency and high stability. In static systems, mass transfer of gaseous and liquid reactants is limited, and heat and charge distributions are uneven, making it difficult to sustain long‑duration reactions at high current densities. Therefore, building continuous‑flow PEC devices with controllable temperature/pressure and fluid recirculation capabilities has become a core trend in recent photoelectrocatalysis research, and photoelectrocatalysis is moving from traditional static reaction vessels toward controllable, continuous‑flow, engineering‑oriented systems.

Key experimental needs revealed by top‑journal studies

● A study published in Nature Catalysis designed a membrane‑separated continuous‑flow photoelectrochemical (PEC) reactor^[1], achieving paired CO₂ reduction and glycerol oxidation. Under 10‑sun concentrated illumination, the photocurrent density exceeded 110 mA cm⁻², and the cathode operated stably for 3 hours under hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) conditions while retaining 80% activity. The membrane separation design effectively isolated anodic and cathodic reactions and suppressed side reactions, thereby maintaining system stability at high current density.

● An Advanced Science report described a gas‑permeable photoelectrode continuous‑flow PEC reactor^[2], which simultaneously controlled CO₂ gas flow rate and electrolyte circulation rate, and found that increasing the electrolyte flow rate could thin the diffusion layer thickness, thereby increasing CO yield and Faradaic efficiency. This indicates that precise control of gas and electrolyte flow is an important condition for improving photoelectrocatalytic reaction efficiency and selectivity.

As can be seen, the two studies jointly reveal the core requirements of PEC experiments: continuous‑flow systems + precise parameter control + monitorable fluid processes are the foundation of high‑performance photoelectrocatalysis.

From research needs to experimental reality

To address these common challenges, perfectlight Technology has launched the PLR PECTS‑L2200 Continuous‑Flow Photoelectrocatalysis Testing System.

The system adopts a fully modular design—gas path, liquid path, electrolytic cell, light source, and detection units can each be configured and upgraded independently. From single‑electrode performance studies to membrane‑separated dual‑compartment systems, and from ambient pressure conditions to mid‑pressure flow reactions, all can be realized on the same platform. This flexible architecture allows experimental variables of the device to be turned into controllable variables. Its integrated system control, gas/liquid fluid management, parameter adjustment, and data acquisition enable construction of continuous‑flow PEC setups in the laboratory that are consistent with top‑journal studies.

No.1

 Precise electrical control 

Output voltage 0–12 V (resolution 0.01 V), current 0–30 A (resolution 0.01 A); maintains a stable bias in multi‑electron transfer reactions, making Faradaic efficiency and selectivity more reproducible;

No.2

 Temperature and pressure range 

Temperature control 10–90 °C; pressure tolerance 0.3 MPa (ambient‑pressure version) and 1.6 MPa (mid‑pressure version); capable of reproducing various complex experimental conditions reported in top journals;

No.3

 Fluid system 

Recirculation flow 30–200 mL min⁻¹, paired with a 110 mL reservoir and high‑precision pump control, enables precise control of electrolyte flow rate;

No.4

 Ultrasonic assistance 

An optional ultrasonic module can be added to enhance boundary‑layer renewal and improve bubble detachment, further enhancing mass‑transfer stability in flow systems.

Intelligent monitoring and automated execution

The Continuous‑Flow Photoelectrocatalysis Testing System is equipped with a PC‑based control system that can control, monitor, and record key parameters in real time—voltage, current, temperature, pressure, gas and liquid flow rates—and automatically generate data curves and calculate Faradaic efficiency, energy consumption, and power. Researchers can use the "process build" function to preset multi‑stage experimental procedures and realize unattended continuous testing and steady‑state experiments. This intelligent control greatly improves experimental efficiency and also ensures data traceability and consistency.