Ammonia and the Haber Process

The nitric oxide was then converted into nitric acid and combined with limestone to produce calcium nitrate. The problem with this process was that the procedure was energy intensive, and it was only economical where there was a steady and cheap supply of electricity. 

The Haber process for the synthesis illustrates several concepts presented in this chapter. The reaction is represented as follows  

According to Le Chatelier s Principle, the production of ammonia is favored by a high pressure and a low temperature. The Haber process is typically carried out at pressures between 200 and 400 atmospheres and temperatures of 500°C. While Le Chatelier s Principle makes it clear why a high pressure would be favorable in the Haber process, it is unclear why a high temperature would be desirable because the reaction is exothermic. An increase in temperature shifts an exothermic reaction to the left. Even though the equilibrium shifts to 

An important aspect of the Haber process is the use of several catalysts in the reaction. A major problem in Haber s attempt to synthesis ammonia was identification of suitable catalysts. Haber discovered that iron oxides worked as the primary catalysts in combination with smaller amounts of oxides of potassium and aluminum. 

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