A system and method are provided for rapidly evaluating electrochemical components such as catalysts, electrodes, electrolyte, and membranes that delivers a high degree of accuracy and requires minimal materials costs. In one embodiment, the system may comprise a detachable electrochemical cell for housing an electrochemical reaction. The cell may comprise an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion-diffusion membrane and an electrically conductive current collector in electrochemical communication with the cell. The reaction cell includes an outlet port in the cell to permit the removal of product gasses, and ports to permit the flow of electrolyte through said cell. The system further comprises means, for example, a reciprocating piston, for sealing the reaction cell to the system to prevent exposure of the electrochemical reaction to the ambient environment, where the cell and adjacent components may be sealed by, for example, gaskets, that permit rapid separation.