Quantum thermodynamics aims to extend (standard) thermodynamics to small quantum systems, i.e. systems whose size does not satisfy the thermodynamic limit. Examples of these systems are few atoms or small molecules, but also parts of a nanodevice or of a quantum computer. In these systems processes like thermalisation or ergodicity cannot be taken for granted due e.g. to the reduced number of degrees of freedom and to their quantized character.

Similarly, key thermodynamic concepts such as work and heat have to be re-thought to include small ensembles' and quantum effects. In this context it is of interest to understand the implications of many-body interactions: for example, could they be used to improve work production from nanomachines? and what happens to the work production if the system undergoes the precursor to a quantum phase transition? Here we will consider Hubbard chains -- which could be implemented experimentally e.g. via small molecules, ion traps, or coupled quantum dots -- and contribute to this debate by analysing the signatures of many-body correlations on quantum thermodynamic quantities when the driven system undergoes the precursor to a metal - Mott insulator transition.