Results and discussion
The PEC measurement system (Figure 1) has been designed to work with a
standard vertical solar simulator. It offers room for PEC cells with
absorber sizes of up to 16x16 cm2, as well as for the required equipment
(e.g., for temperature control),
The system is built from a metal frame and six cardboard plates and
houses a solar-grade mirror and a sliding holder for the electrochemical
cell. The frame is made from commercial aluminum profiles and has feet
which are separately height-adjustable to allow installation on tables
or over edges. Five fixed and one removable cardboard plates are
attached to the frame. Black surfaces on the inside prevent light
reflection, which could otherwise result in an increased irradiation on
the photoelectrode. With a closed front side, the setup protects the
experimenter from irradiation. The light of a vertical solar simulator
enters the setup from above and is reflected by a tiltable solar-grade
mirror on the PEC cell. A sliding cell holder supports the positioning
of the cell with a high degree of reproducibility. It fixates the cell
on the platform and minimizes the danger of spilling chemicals. The
holder can be removed if large cells are investigated. The system can be
equipped with different PEC reactor types, a potentiostat and auxiliar
equipment for monitoring, imaging, or spectroscopic applications.
Table 1 Geometrical data of the PEC measurement system with data for
spatial non-uniformity according to IEC 60904-9