Haber Process Mind Map

Chemical formula of NH3. Gas a r.t.p. Aqueous NH3 is a weak alkali that partially dissociates in water to produce low concentration of OH- ions. Used to manufacture fertilisers, plastics, textiles, pesticides and dyes. NH3(g) + H2O(l) ⇌ NH4+(aq) + OH-(aq) Haber Process Properties Produced from Ammonia Obtained from catalytic cracking of large hydrocarbons (crude oil) or electrolysis of water Hydrogen Conditions Obtained via fractional distillation of liquid air Nitrogen Chemistry Nitrogen and hydrogen react in a 1:3 ratio Converter has finely divided iron catalyst to increase the rate of reaction. NH3(g) produced condensed to liquid in the cooler. Temperature in the cooler should be kept at a temperature lower than the b.p of NH3(g) but higher than the b.p of N2(g) and H2(g), to allow NH3(g) to condense to liquid state while N2(g) and H2(g) remain in gaseous state (recycled). N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ 2NH3(g) Not costly, as nitrogen, hydrogen and iron are available at low costs. Efficient as the leftover reactants are recycled and re-enters the reaction chamber. Reaction is exothermic as heat is released to maintain the temperature of the set-up. Analysis: High pressure is costly, and poses greater safety risks. Low temperature -> Increase yield, but a low temperature will result in a slow reaction, More efficient to use a higher temperature to incrase rate of reaction. Unreacted gases will be recycled via the chamber and eventually 98% of the reactants will be converted to ammonia. Hence, yield is not a priority. From the graph, theoretically, increasing pressure and decreasing temperature will maximise the yeild of ammonia. However, This mind-map is created by OVERMUGGED.