The work describes the construction of lithium-ion batteries, with particular emphasis on metals that can be obtained as secondary raw materials. The work presents the latest trends in the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, using pyro- and hydrometallurgical methods, or their combination. The ecological aspect of the impact of the recycling processes on the environment is shown, as well as the challenges and expectations for the future in the field of recycling processes.

Separation of nickel(II) and cadmium(II) ions with use of ion-exchange resins—Amberlyst 15 and Lewatit OC 1026—supported liquid membranes (SLM), polymer inclusion membranes (PIM) and ion-exchange membranes (IM) from sulphate solution has been studied. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) was used as the ion-carrier in PIM and SLM separation. It was shown that use of SLM or PIM membranes enables separation of Ni(II)/Cd(II) ions. Experimental results data show that the highest recovery factor values were obtained for supported liquid membranes. The SEM surface and cross-sectional images of SLM support, polymer inclusion membrane and ion-exchange membrane have been also prepared.

Two carboxylic acid or N-(X)sulfonyl carboxamide groups were incorporated into calix[4]arene-crown-6 compounds to afford di-ionizable ligands for use in divalent metal ion separations. Acidities of the N-(X)sulfonyl carboxamide groups were tuned by variation of the electron-withdrawing properties of X. Cone, partial-cone and 1,3-alternate conformations were obtained by different synthetic strategies and their structures verified by NMR spectroscopy. Competitive solvent extractions of alkaline earth metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform were performed and the results compared with those reported previously for di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-crown-6 analogues to probe the influence of the para-substituent on the calix[4]arene scaffold on extraction selectivity and efficiency.