The integration of lithium into technological applications has profoundly influenced human development, particularly in energy storage systems like lithium-ion batteries. With global demand for lithium surging alongside technological advancements, the sustainable extraction and recovery of this critical material have become increasingly vital. This paper explores lithium’s role, its chemical properties, and the environmental and economic considerations associated with its extraction and recovery. We examine various lithium recovery methods, including conventional techniques such as hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and direct physical recycling, as well as emerging technologies like mechanochemistry, ion pumping, and bioleaching while emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to address environmental challenges. The review also discusses the challenges and future directions of lithium recovery. Advances in technology have streamlined lithium recovery processes and spurred the development of innovative extraction techniques. This paper concludes with an emphasis on further research essential to deepen our understanding of lithium recovery methods, their strengths and limitations, and the need to explore new strategies to meet the growing global demand for this indispensable resource.

MXenes, an emerging class of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have demonstrated exceptional potential in tribology: the study of friction, wear, and lubrication. Their remarkable mechanical strength, thermal stability, and tunable surface chemistry make them ideal candidates for solid lubricants, lubricant additives, and protective coatings in mechanical systems. This review comprehensively examines the tribological performance of MXenes under diverse environmental conditions, including high temperatures, vacuum, humid atmospheres, and liquid lubricants. A particular emphasis is placed on the influence of surface terminations (-OH, -O, -F) on friction reduction and wear resistance. Additionally, we discuss strategies for enhancing MXene performance through hybridization with polymers, nanoparticles, and ionic liquids, enabling superior durability in applications ranging from micro/nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) to aerospace and biomedical devices. We also highlight recent advances in experimental characterization techniques and computational modeling, which provide deeper insights into MXene tribomechanics. Despite their promise, key challenges such as oxidation susceptibility, high synthesis costs, and performance variability hinder large-scale commercialization. Emerging solutions, including eco-friendly synthesis methods and optimized composite designs, are explored as pathways to overcome these limitations. Overall, MXenes represent a transformative avenue for developing next-generation tribological materials that combine high efficiency, sustainability, and multifunctionality. Continued research and innovation in this field could unlock groundbreaking advancements across industrial and engineering applications.