1. An essential industrial process
The Haber Process
An essential industrial process

2. The Haber Process
This reaction makes ammonia out of hydrogen and nitrogen.
The nitrogen comes from the air (78% N).

3. The Haber Process N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g) (+ heat)
The Haber process is a REVERSIBLE reaction
N2(g) H2(g) NH3(g) (+ heat)
nitrogen + hydrogen ammonia
A reversible reaction is one where the products of the reaction can themselves react to produce the original reactants.

4. The Haber Process N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g) (+ heat)
The Haber process is a REVERSIBLE reaction
N2(g) H2(g) NH3(g) (+ heat)
nitrogen + hydrogen ammonia
Which direction would the reaction proceed if pressure is increased?

5. The Haber Process N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g) (+ heat)
The Haber process is a REVERSIBLE reaction
N2(g) H2(g) NH3(g) (+ heat)
nitrogen + hydrogen ammonia
Which direction would the reaction proceed if pressure is increased? RIGHT

6. The Haber Process N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g) (+ heat)
The Haber process is a REVERSIBLE reaction
N2(g) H2(g) NH3(g) (+ heat)
nitrogen + hydrogen ammonia
Which direction would the reaction proceed if temperature is increased?

7. The Haber Process N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g) (+ heat)
The Haber process is a REVERSIBLE reaction
N2(g) H2(g) NH3(g) (+ heat)
nitrogen + hydrogen ammonia
Which direction would the reaction proceed if temperature is increased? LEFT!
So why is a large temperature used for the reaction?

8. The Haber Process N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g) (+ heat)
The Haber process is a REVERSIBLE reaction
N2(g) H2(g) NH3(g) (+ heat)
nitrogen + hydrogen ammonia
Which direction would the reaction proceed if temperature is increased? LEFT!
So why is a large temperature used for the reaction? To make it faster.

9. The Haber Process

10. The Haber Process Industrial conditions: PRESSURE: 200 atmospheres
TEMPERATURE: 4500C
CATALYST: Iron

11. The Haber Key facts H and N are mixed in a 3:1 ratio
Because the reaction is reversible not all the nitrogen and hydrogen will convert to ammonia.
It is a slow reaction that doesn’t make much product.
Making it faster: high temperature and
use of a catalyst
Making it shift right: increase pressure
remove produced ammonia