CONCEPT PAPER OUTLINE

I. Title - Haber Process for Synthesis of Ammonia

II. Introduction - Ammonia is an inorganic chemical compound made up of
hydrogen and nitrogen. It is usually used as a refrigerant gas, also in
explosives, fabrics, dyes, and about 80% of it as a fertilizer because of its high
nitrogen content. In 1908, Fritz Haber, a German chemist, developed a chemical
method-now known as Haber process-for producing large amounts of ammonia
that could easily be converted to nitrogen based fertilizers. The Haber process
uses hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas to synthesize ammonia.It involves the
reaction of three hydrogen molecules with one nitrogen molecule in the
presence of iron catalyst N 2 ( g ) + 3 H 2 g ⇌ 2 N H 3 ( g ) .
III. Purpose
The Haber Process is used in the manufacturing of ammonia from nitrogen and
hydrogen, and then goes on to explain the reasons for the conditions used in
the process.
IV. Project Description
The Haber Process, developed by Fritz Haber, is a fundamental technique in
industrial chemistry for creating ammonia (NH3) from nitrogen (N2) and
hydrogen (H2) gasses. Ammonia is synthesized industrially through the Haber
process, which involves reacting a nitrogen molecule with three hydrogen
molecules over a bed of silver catalyst. The reaction takes place at high
pressures and relatively low temperatures to maximize the ammonia yield to
15-20%. The benefits of this process are manifold, with ammonia serving as a
vital element in fertilizers, improving agricultural productivity, and acting as a
precursor for diverse industrial compounds like pharmaceuticals and plastics.
V. Goals & Objectives
Converts atmospheric nitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3) by a reaction with
hydrogen (H2) using an iron metal catalyst under high temperatures and
pressures. This reaction is slightly exothermic (i.e. it releases energy), meaning
that the reaction is favored at lower temperatures and higher pressures.
VI. Methodology
The process combines nitrogen from the air with hydrogen derived mainly from
natural gas (methane) into ammonia. The reaction is reversible and the
production of ammonia is exothermic.
VII. Outcomes
The Haber Process, employed in the production of ammonia from nitrogen and
hydrogen gases, endeavors to optimize output and efficiency by adjusting
parameters like temperature, pressure, and catalysts. Economically, it serves as
a vital supplier of raw materials for agriculture and industry, aiding in crop
enhancement and sustaining various industrial sectors. Despite environmental
concerns like energy usage and emissions, ongoing initiatives aim to harmonize
sustainability with the process's advantages across economic, agricultural,
industrial, and environmental domains.
VIII. References
● Libretexts. “The Haber Process.” Chemistry LibreTexts, January 30, 2023.
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_
Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/
Equilibria/Le_Chateliers_Principle/The_Haber_Process.
● "Ammonia Synthesis: Production & Reaction." Study.com. Accessed
[2/11/24].https://study.com/learn/lesson/ammonia-synthesis-production-rea
ction.html
● Admin. “Haber’s Process for the Manufacture of Ammonia &Amp;Amp; Its
Uses.” BYJUS, May 18, 2022. https://byjus.com/chemistry/haber-process/.
● “The Haber Process.” Chemistry LibreTexts, January 30, 2023.
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_
Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/
Equilibria/Le_Chateliers_Principle/The_Haber_Process.