Fertiliser Technology

Q1: Catalyst used in Haber's process for ammonia production is

A reduced iron oxide

B nickel

C vanadium pentoxide

D silica gel

ANS:A - reduced iron oxide

The catalyst used in the Haber process for ammonia production is typically reduced iron oxide. While nickel and other substances have been explored as catalysts in ammonia synthesis, reduced iron oxide remains the most commonly used catalyst due to its effectiveness and relative affordability. So, the correct option is: reduced iron oxide Reduced iron oxide refers to iron oxide (Fe2O3) that has been chemically reduced to a different iron compound, typically iron with a lower oxidation state, such as iron(II) oxide (FeO) or even metallic iron (Fe). In the context of the Haber process for ammonia production, the term "reduced iron oxide" specifically refers to iron oxide that has been reduced to metallic iron. This metallic iron serves as the catalyst for the synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gases. During the production of reduced iron oxide for the Haber process catalyst, iron oxide (often in the form of hematite, Fe2O3) is typically mixed with a reducing agent, such as hydrogen gas or carbon monoxide, and heated in a controlled environment. This process causes the iron oxide to lose oxygen atoms and become reduced to metallic iron. The reduced iron oxide catalyst provides active sites for the adsorption and reaction of nitrogen and hydrogen gases, facilitating the formation of ammonia according to the following chemical equation: N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ 2NH3(g) The presence of the reduced iron oxide catalyst lowers the activation energy barrier for this reaction, allowing it to proceed at industrially feasible temperatures and pressures. This catalyst is crucial for achieving high conversion rates and yields of ammonia in the Haber process. Overall, reduced iron oxide serves as an effective and widely used catalyst in the production of ammonia, playing a key role in the Haber process and enabling the large-scale synthesis of ammonia for various industrial applications.



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