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This paper is focused on cobalt valorization from the cathode material of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) by using leaching and electrochemical deposition methods. During the leaching experiments, the degrees of cathode material dissolution in H2SO4-N2 and H2SO4-O2 systems were compared. Maximal degrees of cobalt extraction were 40 % in the former and 47 % in the latter system under following experimental conditions: H2SO4 concentration of 2 mol dm-3, nitrogen/oxygen volumetric flow of 2 L min-1, solid phase concentration of 33 g L-1, and temperature of 85°C. The rate of cobalt extraction from the cathode material in both investigated systems was the most favorable in the first 15 min, after which there was a sudden decrease in the reaction rate. Cobalt from the leaching solution was deposited on a copper substrate by galvanostatic electrochemical deposition with a current efficiency of 84 %. The energy consumption was 5.8 kWh kg-1 of deposited Co. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) method was used to determine the potential of cobalt deposition, as well as side reactions taking place in the system. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry has shown that during the process of electrochemical deposition agglomeration of cobalt particles occurred (in the shape of cauliflower), while the metal was deposited in its elemental state, which was also confirmed by the results of X-ray diffraction analysis.

Development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) during the latest decades resulted in improved performances of the new integrated cathode materials and in their wide applications. This rapid expansion of new materials led to the intensive replacement of the old-fashioned, traditional materials and increased a simultaneous accumulation of both kinds of materials at extremely hazardous electronic waste sites, which additionally increased an urgent need for their recycling. Most importantly, in this way, spent LIBs may further serve as a significant source of valuable metals such as Li and cobalt. However, one of the key problems in LIBs recycling is the absence of a precise battery classification/sorting based on the chemical composition of the used cathode material. In this paper, characterization of the cathode material was performed regarding chemical composition of 40 samples of spent LIBs using inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. Preparation of the samples, (pretreatment) included: discharging, dismantling, separation of the main components (cathode, anode and the separator), and detachment of the cathode material from the aluminium foil. The obtained results showed that, in the investigated commercially available LIBs, lithium cobalt oxide was the most frequently used (cathode) material. [Projects of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. OI172031, Grant no. III46010, and Grant no. TR34024]

Phytoremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soil aims to degrade them into less toxic/non toxic compounds and limit their further movement by sequestration and accumulation into the vacuoles. Lipophilic organic compounds such as PAHs are bound strongly to the epidermis of the root tissue and are rarely translocated within plant. There are no reports in the literature data of PAHs being completely mineralized by plants. There is little evidence to suggest that PAHs accumulate to significant degree in plants, but there still is a lot of evidences on the ability of various plant species (most often grasses and legumes), to degrade and dissipate these dangerous contaminants. The primary mechanism controlling the dissipation of PAHs is rhizosphere microbial degradation where microbes use PAHs molecules as carbon substrates for growth, which in final, leads to the breakdown or total mineralization of the contaminants. The process is usually augmented by the excretion of root exudates (e.g., sugars, alcohols, acids, enzymes), and the build-up of organic carbon in the soil, so the proper selection of particular plant species represents a critical management decision for PAHs phytoremediation. These facts favor the rhyzoremediation as the best solution for sites contaminated with PAHs.

Catalytic converters are incorporated into motor vehicle emission systems (passenger cars, trucks and other motor vehicles, as well as civil and agricultural machines, as of lately) to reduce air pollution as well as to meet the emission standards. Their purpose is to convert toxic emissions generated by combustion of liquid fossil fuels into less harmful products. In catalytic converters, rhodium is used for the reduction of gasses, whereas platinum and palladium are used for the oxidation of gasses. This paper presents the structure and operating principle of automotive catalysts in view of the fact that cars are the most prevalent motor vehicles worldwide and due to the fact that the production of cars with gasoline and diesel engines will dominate until at least 2020.

This paper presents a review of the present situation and perspectives in the production of platinum-group metals from primary and secondary sources, as well as in their use. The need and significance of recycling have been highlighted in view of the demand and supply of platinum-group metals. It has been shown that platinum-group metals are mostly used for the manufacture of autocatalysis and that their recycling is important for the conservation of natural resources.