the haber process

• The Haber Process is an industrial method used to produce ammonia from nitrogen gas (N2) and hydrogen gas (H2).
• Ammonia can be converted into other compounds such as fertilizers, explosives, plastics, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
• The Haber Process involves reacting nitrogen gas with hydrogen gas at high temperatures and pressures using iron catalysts.
• The Haber process produces ammonia (NH₃), used for making fertilizers
• Nitrogen (N₂) is obtained from the air (78% nitrogen), while hydrogen (H₂) is obtained from hydrocarbons like natural gas or crude oil
• Ammonia production in the Haber process occurs at 200 atm pressure and 450°C temperature with an iron catalyst present
• Higher pressures favor the forward reaction due to more moles of gas on the left side, hence the 200 atmospheres operating pressure
• The forward reaction in the Haber process is exothermic, so lower temperatures would yield more ammonia, but a compromise at 450°C is chosen for a faster reaction rate
• Ammonia is formed as a gas in the Haber process, then liquefies as it cools in the condenser before being removed; unused hydrogen and nitrogen are recycled
• The iron catalyst in the Haber process speeds up the reaction without affecting the equilibrium position, crucial for maintaining a high yield