Haber-Bosch processes, enzyme

The enzyme systems responsible for fixing atmospheric N2 to form ammonia are known as the nitrogenases. These enzymes function at field temperatures and 0.8 atm N2 pressure, whereas the industrial Haber-Bosch process requires high temperatures (300-400°C) and high pressures (200-300 atm) in a capital-intensive process that relies on burning fossil fuel. Small wonder, then, that the chemistry of the nitrogenases has attracted considerable attention for many years. 

In nature, ammonia is produced by the action of nitrogen-fixing bacteria on atmospheric N2 under very mild conditions (room temperature and 0.8 atm N2 pressure). These bacteria contain nitrogenases, iron- and molybdenum-containing enzymes that catalyze the formation of NH3. Industrially, NH3 is synthesized from its elements by the Haber-Bosch process, which typically uses finely divided iron as catalyst ... 

Nitrogen is a basic element that is present in almost every life supporting chemical in one or the other form. Some examples include proteins, enzymes, polymers, fibers, fertilizers, etc. The Haber-Bosch process can be easily cited as one of the most revolutionary chemical processes invented in the history of the human race. The Haber—Bosch process involves reaction of nitrogen gas (N2) and hydrogen gas (H2) to produce ammonia (NH3). 

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