Chemistry
Catalysts in Industrial Ammonia Synthesis
Quick fact
The Haber-Bosch catalyst operates under extreme conditions (400-500°C, 150-200 atm), yet the iron catalyst still requires promoters to prevent it from becoming inactive after just a few hours.
Why this is interesting
You use products from it every day, but the key chemical reaction would be nearly impossible without a special helper. How does a simple metal make one of the world's most important industrial processes work?