Ostwald Process: A Complete Revision (Research Scholar's Perspective

 Ostwald Process: A Complete Revision (Research Scholar's Perspective)

The Ostwald Process, developed by Wilhelm Ostwald (Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1909), is the industrial method for manufacturing nitric acid (HNO₃) from ammonia. The process is based on the catalytic oxidation of NH₃ using a platinum–rhodium (Pt–Rh) gauze catalyst at 800–900°C and 4–10 atm. Ammonia is first converted into nitric oxide (NO), which is oxidized to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and finally absorbed in water to produce nitric acid. The regenerated NO is recycled, making the process more efficient.

From a research perspective, the Ostwald Process is a classic example of heterogeneous catalysis, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, reactor engineering, and green chemistry. Current research focuses on improving catalyst durability, reducing NOₓ and N₂O emissions, minimizing platinum loss, and developing sustainable, energy-efficient nitric acid production technologies.

Key Exam Facts: Inventor – Wilhelm Ostwald | Catalyst – Pt–Rh Gauze | Temperature – 800–900°C | Pressure – 4–10 atm | Product – Nitric Acid (HNO₃) | Principle – Catalytic oxidation of ammonia.

Dr. Suhasini Mahata 

27/06/26

SM Chem Hub | Chemistry Preparation for All Competitive Exams

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