Bosch reaction

The Bosch reaction is a chemical reaction between carbon dioxide and hydrogen that produces elemental carbon (graphite), water, and a 10% return of invested heat. It is named after the German chemist Carl Bosch. This reaction requires the introduction of iron as a catalyst and requires a temperature level of 530-730 degrees Celsius.

The overall reaction is as follows:

CO₂(g) + 2 H₂(g) → C(s) + 2 H₂O(g)

The above reaction is actually the result of two reactions. The first reaction, the reverse 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 2.3×10³joules for every gram of carbon dioxide reacted 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.

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.