What is the Haber-Bosch process?

The Haber-Bosch process, also known as the Haber process, is a chemical process that converts nitrogen gas (N₂) from the air and hydrogen gas (H₂) from natural gas or other hydrocarbon sources into ammonia (NH₃). It was developed by Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch in the early 20th century and is one of the most important industrial processes in the world.

The process takes place at high pressures and temperatures, typically around 200-300 atmospheres and 400-500 degrees Celsius. These conditions are necessary because the reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen is not spontaneous under normal conditions. Instead, it requires the application of a catalyst, typically composed of iron, promoted with small amounts of other elements such as aluminum oxide, calcium oxide, or potassium oxide.