What is the Role of Catalysts in the Ostwald Process?
The Ostwald process is used to produce nitric acid, a key component in fertilizers, explosives, and many organic chemicals. The process involves the catalytic oxidation of ammonia to nitric oxide (NO) using a platinum-rhodium catalyst. The reaction steps are as follows: 4NH₃ + 5O₂ → 4NO + 6H₂O 2NO + O₂ → 2NO₂ 3NO₂ + H₂O → 2HNO₃ + NO The efficiency and selectivity of these reactions are highly dependent on the quality and properties of the catalyst used.
