Process for the preparation of ammonia synthesis catalyst

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A process for the preparation of an ammonia synthesis catalyst, in which an iron oxide, together with traces of aluminum calcium, potassium, magnesium and silicon oxides is fused in, the presence of a small quantity of graphite and reduced and the reduced catalyst is thereafter treated with an aqueous solution of a water soluble cerium salt. The use of the so prepared catalyst in the synthesis of ammonia makes it possible to operate at significantly reduced temperatures and/or pressure, and thereby obtain very considerable capital and operational savings.