Researchers at the University of Adelaide have unveiled two innovative systems that leverage urea from human urine and wastewater to produce green hydrogen in a more cost-effective and sustainable manner. The conventional methods of generating clean hydrogen, such as water electrolysis, are known to be expensive and energy-intensive. In contrast, the use of urea, especially from urine, in hydrogen production has shown to require significantly less electricity and eliminate the environmental repercussions associated with traditional approaches. The first system developed by the researchers employs a unique copper-based catalyst in a membrane-free configuration to extract hydrogen from pure urea. The second system goes a step further by utilizing urine as an eco-friendly alternative source and employs a chlorine-mediated oxidation mechanism with platinum-based catalysts to address chloride ions that can cause corrosion in the electrolysis system. Both systems overcome the limitations of existing urea-based methods by avoiding the production of toxic nitrates and nitrites, releasing harmless nitrogen gas instead. The research team, led by experts from the University of Adelaide, intends to enhance cost-effectiveness and sustainability by exploring the use of non-precious metal catalysts supported by carbon to replace platinum in their hydrogen production systems.