Catalyst used in the Haber's process for the manufacturing of ammonia from N₂ and H₂ is

Concept:

Haber's process:

• This process is used in large scale preparations of ammonia.

N₂ + 3H₂ → 2NH₃

• During the process, nitrogen and hydrogen are used in the ratio 1:3.
• The process is exothermic in nature means heat is produced in the process.
• According to the Le-chateliar principle, the temperature is kept high to speed up the process.
• The gaseous ammonia produced is converted to liquid ammonia to remove the products formed.
• This drives the reaction forward.
• Catalysts and promoters are also used to speed up the process and increase yield.

Explanation:

The role of a catalyst-

• The role of a catalyst in a reaction is to lower the activation energy of the reactants.
• Lowering the activation energy increases the rate of the reaction.
• The reaction now proceeds via a low energy path.

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• The catalyst used in Haber's process is Fe.
• It increases the rate of reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen.
• Finely divided solid Fe provides a surface for the reaction to occur.
• Gases nitrogen and hydrogen get adsorbed on the catalyst surface, a reaction occurs, and then the products diffuse out.

Hence, the Catalyst used in Haber's process in the manufacture of ammonia from N2 and H2 is Iron.

Additional Information

• Molybdenum is used as a promoter to increase the efficiency of the catalyst.