Ionic liquids for thermoelectrochemical energy generation

This review describes the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as solvents and supporting electrolytes for thermoelectrochemical cells. These generators are based on the Seebeck effect and are potential technologies to convert low-grade heat into electricity. The use of ILs as solvents in these devices is promising, as it expands the temperature range and temperature differences among electrodes that these thermocells can operate. Factors that influence the thermodynamics and efficiencies of IL thermocells are relatively well understood and will be summarized in this review. The manuscript is divided in two sections: pure ILs and IL solutions. Each section discusses the properties of thermocells with metallic and nonmetallic redox couples. Perspectives on how to overcome efficiency limitations of these devices and perspectives for future research are given.