The Haber Process: The Reaction That Feeds the World

The Haber Process makes ammonia by reacting nitrogen from air with hydrogen gas.
This reaction is carried out under high temperature and pressure.
An iron catalyst speeds up the process without being consumed.
Ammonia produced is the foundation for most fertilizers.
Fertilizers from this process help feed billions of people worldwide.
The reaction is reversible, so only part of the nitrogen and hydrogen converts each pass.
Recycling unreacted gases improves the overall efficiency.
The process consumes lots of energy, mainly from natural gas.
Critics note its environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite drawbacks, the Haber Process is one of history’s most important chemical reactions.