The Haber process

• The Haber process is the industrial production of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen
• The reaction is done at a temperature of 450 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 200 atmospheres alongside an iron catalyst
• The Haber process is crucial as it produces ammonia used to make nitrogen based fertilizers, essential for food production
• Nitrogen, making up 78% of the air, is easily acquired, while hydrogen is obtained from hydrocarbons like methane
• The Haber process is exothermic and reversible, meaning some of the formed ammonia can break back down into nitrogen and hydrogen
• In the Haber process, hydrogen and nitrogen are fed into a reaction vessel at 450 degrees Celsius and 200 atmospheres, reacting over an iron catalyst to form ammonia
• To separate the formed ammonia from the unreacted nitrogen and hydrogen, the mixture is cooled in a condenser where ammonia condenses into liquid form
• The temperature of 450 degrees Celsius is a compromise to favor a higher rate of reaction while maintaining a reasonable percentage yield in the Haber process
• A pressure of 200 atmospheres is chosen in the Haber process to push the equilibrium towards the formation of ammonia, balancing cost and safety considerations