In the quest for sustainable energy, a team from South Korea’s Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) has unveiled a groundbreaking method that could reshape how we produce and store clean hydrogen. By simply adding silicon to ammonia, researchers have developed a process that extracts high-purity hydrogen while simultaneously generating silicon nitride, a valuable material for batteries and electronics. This innovation, detailed in a recent study, promises to slash production costs and boost efficiency in the green hydrogen sector.

The technology addresses key challenges in hydrogen production, where ammonia serves as a promising carrier due to its high energy density and established infrastructure. Traditional methods of extracting hydrogen from ammonia often require high temperatures, expensive catalysts, or result in impurities. UNIST’s approach, however, operates at lower temperatures and yields pure hydrogen alongside silicon nitride, which can be repurposed for secondary battery materials, creating a circular economy loop.

According to a report from Tech Xplore, published on October 21, 2025, the UNIST team demonstrated that this silicon-addition process not only reduces costs but also transforms waste solar panels into sources of hydrogen and battery components. ‘This innovative process not only reduces hydrogen production costs, but…’ the article notes, highlighting its potential for scalability.

The Chemistry Behind the Breakthrough

At the core of this method is a chemical reaction where silicon reacts with ammonia to release hydrogen gas and form silicon nitride (Si₃N₄). This reaction bypasses the need for rare metal catalysts, making it more economical and environmentally friendly. Researchers at UNIST, led by experts in energy and chemical engineering, have optimized the process to achieve high yields of pure hydrogen, suitable for fuel cells and industrial applications.

Building on earlier work, such as a 2021 study from ChemEurope.com, which described a similar ammonia-to-hydrogen conversion, the new technique integrates silicon from recycled sources. That earlier breakthrough, led by Professor Guntae Kim at UNIST, focused on efficient conversion but didn’t incorporate byproduct valorization. The 2025 advancement extends this by producing silicon nitride, a ceramic material used in high-performance batteries and semiconductors.

Industry insiders point out that silicon nitride’s market value could offset hydrogen production expenses. As per a MDPI review from July 28, 2023, green hydrogen and ammonia are pivotal in the energy transition, but storage and production hurdles persist. UNIST’s method tackles these by leveraging abundant silicon, potentially from e-waste like discarded solar panels.

From Waste to Energy: Recycling Solar Panels

The integration of waste solar panels is a game-changer. Tech Xplore reports that the process extracts silicon from photovoltaic waste, which is then used to crack ammonia. This not only addresses the growing problem of solar panel disposal—projected to reach millions of tons annually—but also creates a closed-loop system for clean energy materials.

Noticias Ambientales, in a piece published two weeks ago as of November 7, 2025, described the UNIST research as achieving ‘what seemed unfeasible until recently: generating clean’ hydrogen from recycled sources. This aligns with global efforts to build a circular economy in renewables, reducing reliance on virgin materials and minimizing environmental impact.

Experts estimate that by 2030, solar waste could provide enough silicon to support large-scale hydrogen production. A ScienceDirect article from September 1, 2025, emphasizes green hydrogen’s role in carbon-neutral futures, noting that innovations like this could accelerate adoption in sectors like transportation and heavy industry.

Efficiency Gains and Cost Reductions

One of the most compelling aspects is the cost-effectiveness. Traditional green hydrogen production via electrolysis is energy-intensive and expensive, often exceeding $5 per kilogram. UNIST’s ammonia-silicon method could bring costs down significantly by using cheaper inputs and generating valuable byproducts.

A ScienceDaily report from January 22, 2024, highlighted a related catalyst breakthrough for high-purity green hydrogen, but UNIST’s 2025 innovation goes further by eliminating catalysts altogether. ‘A research team has developed a novel catalyst for the high-efficiency and stable production of high-purity green hydrogen,’ the article stated, underscoring the field’s rapid evolution.

Power Info Today, in an October 28, 2025, article, discusses green hydrogen infrastructure in the Middle East, where ammonia is eyed as a hydrogen carrier. UNIST’s technology could enhance such infrastructures by providing on-demand hydrogen extraction without massive energy inputs, making it ideal for remote or grid-limited areas.

Broader Implications for Clean Energy

Beyond hydrogen, this breakthrough bolsters ammonia’s role as a green fuel vector. A Phys.org article from August 12, 2021, on UNIST’s earlier work noted that ‘their findings have also attracted significant attention from academic research communities.’ The new method builds on this, potentially enabling ammonia-fueled ships and power plants to convert fuel on-site.

New Atlas, in a November 29, 2022, piece, described a photocatalyst for ammonia-to-hydrogen conversion as ‘huge news for green hydrogen and ammonia.’ UNIST’s silicon-based approach complements such technologies, offering a non-light-dependent alternative that’s easier to scale industrially.

Recent news on X from users like Tech Startups highlights the broader clean energy momentum, with posts on solar innovations and AI in healthcare, but the UNIST story stands out for its direct impact on hydrogen economies. As of November 7, 2025, discussions on platforms emphasize sustainable tech’s role in global transitions.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the promise, hurdles remain. Scaling the process requires industrial testing to ensure consistency and safety. Ammonia’s toxicity demands careful handling, and silicon sourcing must be sustainable to avoid supply chain issues.

A ScienceDaily update from February 28, 2024, on photoelectrode modules for hydrogen production notes ‘a remarkable technological breakthrough,’ similar to UNIST’s. Combining these could lead to hybrid systems for even greater efficiency.

Looking ahead, UNIST researchers are partnering with industry to pilot the technology. As per a Science X wire from three weeks ago, a ‘breakthrough control-oriented model paves the way for efficient hydrogen production from ammonia,’ indicating modeling tools that could optimize UNIST’s process for commercial viability.

Global Context and Competitive Landscape

In the global race for green hydrogen, UNIST’s innovation positions South Korea as a leader. Countries like Germany and Japan are investing billions in hydrogen infrastructure, and this method could provide a competitive edge by lowering barriers to entry.

A Softtune Tech article from September 10, 2025, on artificial photosynthesis breakthroughs mentions revolutions in ‘clean energy, hydrogen production, and sustainable chemical manufacturing,’ aligning with UNIST’s ammonia focus.

As clean energy demands surge, this silicon-ammonia synergy could accelerate decarbonization. Industry watchers anticipate that by integrating with existing ammonia supply chains, the technology might contribute to meeting net-zero goals sooner than expected.