Production of Ammonia (Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry)
Revision Note
Written by: Alexandra Brennan
Reviewed by: Stewart Hird
The Haber Process
Ammonia is manufactured using the Haber Process
The reactants are hydrogen and nitrogen
Hydrogen is obtained from natural gas (methane) or other sources
Nitrogen is obtained from the air
Ammonia is a raw material in the production of fertilizers
There is a high demand globally for fertilizers in order to maximise food yields
The Haber Process
Stage 1: H2 and N2 gases are pumped into the compressor through pipes
Stage 2: The gases are compressed to about 200 atmospheres inside the compressor catalyst at a temperature of 450°C. Some of the hydrogen and nitrogen react to form ammonia in the following reversible reaction:
N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) ⇌ 2NH3 (g)
Stage 4: Unreacted H2 and N2 and product ammonia pass into a cooling tank. The ammonia is liquefied and removed to pressurised storage vessels
Stage 5: The unreacted H2 and N2 gases are recycled back into the system
The Haber Process
Examiner Tips and Tricks
When the mixture of ammonia and unreacted hydrogen and nitrogen is cooled down, the ammonia reaches its boiling point first so condenses and forms a liquid. The unreacted hydrogen and nitrogen remain as gases to be recycled.
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