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Difficulty: MediumIndustrial Chemical Processes and Biotechnology Applications

In the industrial synthesis of ammonia via the Haber process, finely divided iron is employed as the catalyst. Which substance is added to the system as a promoter to enhance the catalytic activity of iron?

  1. Aluminium oxide (Al2O3\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3) combined with potassium oxide (K2O\text{K}_2\text{O})Answer
  2. B
    Vanadium(V) oxide (V2O5\text{V}_2\text{O}_5)
  3. C
    Platinum-rhodium gauze
  4. D
    Finely divided nickel

Answer

Aluminium oxide (Al2O3\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3) combined with potassium oxide (K2O\text{K}_2\text{O})
In the Haber process, finely divided iron acts as the primary catalyst. Its activity and thermal durability are enhanced by adding small quantities of metal oxide promoters such as aluminium oxide (Al2O3\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3) and potassium oxide (K2O\text{K}_2\text{O}). Aluminium oxide prevents the iron particles from sintering (clumping together) at high operating temperatures, maintaining a high catalytic surface area.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the industrial chemical process described
The process described is the Haber process for the industrial manufacture of ammonia (N2+3H2⇌2NH3\text{N}_2 + 3\text{H}_2 \rightleftharpoons 2\text{NH}_3).
Understanding the specific process allows identification of the correct catalyst and promoter.
2
Distinguish between the main catalyst and the catalyst promoter
Finely divided iron (Fe\text{Fe}) is the primary catalyst, while aluminium oxide (Al2O3\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3) and potassium oxide (K2O\text{K}_2\text{O}) are added as promoters.
Promoters are substances that increase the activity, thermal resistance, and operational lifespan of a catalyst without themselves acting as catalysts.

Key Concept

Industrial Catalyst Promoters in the Haber Process
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Industrial Chemical Processes and Biotechnology Applications