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How does the Haber-Bosch process produce ammonia?

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A labeled diagram of a periodic table entry for nitrogen shows its atomic number 7, symbol N, electron configuration, atomic weight, and name. Symbols indicate nitrogen is a nonmetal gas at room temperature, has a hexagonal crystal structure, and strongly acidic higher-valence oxides. A key explains the diagram's icons and color coding.
nitrogen

The Haber-Bosch process is an industrial method used for the fixation of nitrogen by directly synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen.12

The process operates under the following conditions:

  • High Pressure: The reaction is conducted at extremely high pressures, typically ranging from 200 to 400 atmospheres, to favor the production of ammonia.1
  • Temperature: It utilizes moderately high temperatures, generally between 400° and 650° C (750° to 1200° F).1
  • Catalysis: A catalyst—primarily composed of iron—is employed to enable the reaction to occur at a more practical temperature.1
  • Equilibrium Management: To ensure the reaction continues to favor the formation of ammonia, the product is removed from the batch as soon as it is formed.1

By combining these high-pressure methods with effective catalysis, the process makes the large-scale manufacture of ammonia economically feasible.12