Catalysts provide an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. In the Haber-Bosch process, the iron catalyst adsorbs nitrogen and hydrogen molecules onto its surface. This adsorption weakens the nitrogen triple bond and the hydrogen bonds, enabling the atoms to combine more easily.
1. Adsorption: The nitrogen and hydrogen molecules are adsorbed onto the catalyst surface. 2. Dissociation: These molecules dissociate into individual atoms. 3. Reaction: The nitrogen atoms react with hydrogen atoms to form ammonia. 4. Desorption: The formed ammonia molecules desorb from the catalyst surface, making it available for further reactions.
