Towards applications of supramolecular host–guest electrochemistry

Supramolecular chemistry is, broadly, the study of noncovalent interactions. Electrochemistry inherently involves supramolecular organisation of ions and solvent, so the use of supramolecular chemistry in electrochemistry has the potential for great utility in various applications. Studies of supramolecular host–guest electrochemistry have been reported for decades. In recent years, these studies have moved past investigations of basic principles and towards functional systems. This perspective will describe the main directions in which applications of functional supramolecular host–guest electrochemical systems are being developed: sensing, ion transport, and catalysis. While these research directions have shown promising results, study of supramolecular host–guest electrochemistry remains relatively rare. Challenges in the development of these systems and an outlook for future research will be outlined.