Researchers from The University of Adelaide have developed two innovative and cost-effective systems that use urea found in urine and wastewater to generate green hydrogen. Unlike traditional electrolysis that splits water into oxygen and hydrogen, these systems offer a more energy-efficient and financially viable approach. The research, published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition and Nature Communications, addresses the need for sustainable and renewable energy sources by utilizing urea as a green alternative to fossil fuels. By utilizing urine as a source of urea, the systems produce harmless nitrogen gas instead of toxic by-products while using 20-27% less electricity than water-splitting methods. The team's first system employs a membrane-free urea electrolysis process with a copper-based catalyst, while the second system utilizes a novel chlorine-mediated oxidation mechanism with platinum-based catalysts. To address the sustainability issue with platinum, the researchers aim to develop carbon-supported, non-precious metal catalysts for future systems. These developments not only offer a pathway for economically generating green hydrogen but also show potential for remediating nitrogenous waste in aquatic environments, marking a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable energy future.