<p>Solid Oxide Membrane (SOM)-based electrolytic processes are developed to address the challenges of transitioning from fossil fuel dependence toward sustainable energy sources for metals production. In this manuscript, a novel, molten salt-free Solid Oxide Membrane (SOM) electrolysis process is demonstrated for the direct reduction of iron oxide to iron. Iron oxide and non-consumable liquid silver are contained in a one-end closed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) SOM tube. The oxygen is pumped out of the liquid silver with an applied electrical potential across the electrodes and this reduces the iron oxide in the silver. Electrochemical analysis confirms high cell efficiency during initial electrolysis, and 99.5 atomic% pure iron was produced. This proof-of-concept electrolysis process demonstrates an alternate efficient, environmentally friendly route for iron making and a possible method for future researchers to employ salt-free SOM electrolysis for the production of other metal/alloy systems.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>