Question

Which among the following chemicals is used as a catalytic promoter in Haber’s process?

• A. Ni
• B. MnO$_2$
• C. Fe
• D. Mo

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The Haber process, also known as the Haber-Bosch process, is an industrial method for producing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gas. The reaction is represented as:

N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) → 2NH₃(g)

This reaction requires a catalyst to proceed efficiently due to the strong triple bonds in the nitrogen molecule. In the Haber process, iron (Fe) is used as the primary catalyst.

However, the efficiency of the iron catalyst can be enhanced by the addition of a catalytic promoter. The correct catalytic promoter used in this process is molybdenum (Mo). Molybdenum is added to increase the activity and longevity of the iron catalyst, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the process.

Therefore, among the given options, Mo (Molybdenum) is used as a catalytic promoter in the Haber’s process.

Answer 2

Iron (Fe) is used as the primary catalyst in the Haber process, which is the industrial method for synthesizing ammonia (NH₃) from nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂). The role of iron in the Haber process is to speed up the reaction without being consumed in the process. It provides an active surface that allows the nitrogen and hydrogen molecules to react more efficiently at relatively lower temperatures and pressures compared to what would be required without a catalyst.

On the other hand, Molybdenum (Mo) acts as a promoter in the Haber process. While molybdenum itself is not the primary catalyst, it enhances the effectiveness of iron by improving its ability to activate the nitrogen molecule, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of ammonia production. Molybdenum promotes the formation of active sites on the iron catalyst, which helps to break the strong nitrogen-nitrogen triple bond, facilitating the reaction.

In summary, iron is the main catalyst in the Haber process, facilitating the reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen to produce ammonia, while molybdenum acts as a promoter, enhancing the performance of the iron catalyst.