Process for producing catalysts for ammonia synthesis by reducing iron oxides

Abstract

Disclosed is a process whereby completed catalysts can be produced from the iron oxides, and these catalysts can be activated and employed directly after activation for ammonia synthesis from synthesis gas, comprising for example a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen. A process is also disclosed to produce pre-reduced catalyst precursors, which are first reduced under controlled conditions and subsequently passivated in an oxidizing atmosphere, before they are used in ammonia synthesis as catalysts. These pre-reduced catalysts can be activated significantly more quickly and under milder conditions than the iron oxides.