Why is Catalysis Important in the Haber-Bosch Process?
Catalysis is crucial for the Haber-Bosch process because it significantly lowers the activation energy required for nitrogen and hydrogen to react. Without a catalyst, the reaction would be extremely slow and inefficient. The iron catalyst facilitates the breaking of the strong triple bond in nitrogen molecules, enabling the formation of ammonia. This catalytic action allows the process to be commercially viable and energy-efficient.