Bosch reaction

The Bosch reaction is a chemical reaction between carbon dioxide and hydrogen that produces elemental carbon (graphite), water and heat.

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The overall reaction is as follows:

CO₂(g) + 2 H₂(g) → C(s) + 2 H₂O(l)

The above reaction is actually the result of two reactions. The first reaction, the water gas shift reaction, is a fast one.

CO₂ + H₂ → CO + H₂O

The second reaction controls the reaction rate.

CO + H₂ → C + H₂O

The overall reaction produces 2.3x10³ joules for every gram of carbon produced at 650 °C. Reaction temperatures are in the range of 450 to 600 °C.

The reaction can be accelerated in the presence of an iron, cobalt or nickel catalyst. Ruthenium also serves to speed up the reaction. The production of elemental carbon tends to foul the catalyst's surface, which is detrimental to the reaction's efficiency.

Together with the Sabatier reaction the Bosch reaction is studied as a way to remove carbon dioxide and to generate clean water aboard a space station [1]