Quantum Thermodynamics in Spin Systems: A Review of Cycles and Applications

TL;DR

This review explores how quantum thermodynamics models heat and work in spin systems, highlighting recent theoretical and experimental advances in using these materials for quantum devices and energy applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the mathematical modeling of quantum thermodynamic cycles in spin systems and discusses recent experimental progress in this field.

Findings

Quantum models of thermodynamic cycles in spin systems

Experimental advances in quantum thermodynamics of metal complexes

Future prospects for energy applications using quantum materials

Abstract

Quantum thermodynamics is a powerful theoretical tool for assessing the suitability of quantum materials as platforms for novel technologies. In particular, the modeling of quantum cycles allows us to investigate the heat changes and work extraction at the nanoscale, where quantum effects dominate over classical ones. In this Review, we cover the mathematical formulation used to model the quantum thermodynamic behavior of small-scale systems, building up the quantum analog versions of thermodynamic processes and reversible cycles. We discuss theoretical results obtained after applying this approach to model Heisenberg-like spin systems, which are toy models for metal complex systems. In addition, we discuss recent experimental advances in this class of materials that have been achieved using the quantum thermodynamic approach, paving the way for the development of quantum devices. Finally, we point out perspectives to guide future efforts in using quantum thermodynamics as a reliable and effective approach to establish metal complex systems as quantum materials for energy storage/harvesting purposes.