Haber process

The Haber process is a high-temperasture high-pressure process for combining nitrogen and hydrogen gasses into ammonia. The reaction is relatively inefficient, with ~5% yield per iteration.

N₂ + 3 H₂

{Fe

→

20MPa, 500-600°C}

2 NH₃

The gasses are refrigerated, the ammonia removed as a liquid, and the process is repeated. Iron oxide can be used in place of iron, because it will be rapidly reduced by the hydrogen gas to water and pure iron.

Apparently Tungsten can also be used as a catalyst at about 600°C and atmospheric pressure.

Hazards

• At the extremely high temperatures and pressures involved, rupture and explosion of the reaction vessel is a serious concern.

See Also

• Ostwald process