Supramolecular Thermocells Based on Thermo-Responsiveness of Host–Guest Chemistry

Molecular machines leverage sub-nanometer level intermolecular forces and host–guest interactions to perform useful work observable at the macroscopic level. The development of molecular for past three decades has resulted in successful applications from switches, chemical sensing, actuators. However, application supramolecular chemistry energy production is rare been highly anticipated. This review introduces advancement thermocells, initially proposed by our research group, which use thermo-responsive interaction regenerate electrochemical low-grade heat sources. selective transport a redox species carried host molecule cooled heated electrode creates concentration gradient guest provides an additional voltage thermocell. key properties molecules thermocells are: (1) high selectivity capture either oxidized or reduced as guest, (2) inhibition activity after encapsulation, (3) large entropy change release response temperature changes. Design principles promising candidates future are presented here. Supramolecular generates thermoelectric voltage. pairs efficient