Understanding the Chemical Properties and Industrial Applications of Nitrogen in One Article
Nitrogen makes up three-quarters of the air, and as an inert gas, it has unique chemical properties and a very wide range of industrial applications.
Nitrogen makes up three-quarters of the Earth's atmosphere, accounting for approximately 78% of the air's total volume. Its chemical formula is N₂, consisting of two nitrogen atoms triple-bonded together. This strong chemical bond makes nitrogen extremely stable under normal temperature and pressure, making it difficult to react with other substances. Therefore, it is often used as an inert protective gas.
I. Chemical Properties of Nitrogen
Under standard conditions, nitrogen does not react with most substances, exhibiting strong chemical stability. However, under specific conditions, nitrogen can show reactivity:
- High Temperature, High Pressure, and Catalyst
Under high temperature (400-500℃), high pressure (15-30MPa), and with an iron-based catalyst, nitrogen reacts with hydrogen to produce ammonia (N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃). This reaction is the core of the modern nitrogen fertilizer industry, with billions of tons of ammonia produced globally each year for manufacturing fertilizers such as urea and ammonium nitrate.
- High-Temperature Oxidation Reaction
When the temperature exceeds 1200℃, nitrogen reacts with oxygen to produce nitric oxide (N₂ + O₂ → 2NO). This is an important method for preparing raw gas in the nitric acid industry. Subsequently, through the oxidation and absorption of nitric oxide, nitric acid needed for industry and agriculture can be produced.
- Reaction with Active Metals
At high temperatures, nitrogen can react with active metals such as lithium and magnesium to form nitrides. For example, magnesium burns in nitrogen to form magnesium nitride (3Mg + N₂ → Mg₃N₂). These nitrides can be used in the preparation of special ceramics and alloy materials.
II. Industrial Applications of Nitrogen
(1) Metal Processing Industry
In metal heat treatment, welding, and smelting processes, high temperatures can cause metals to oxidize due to reaction with oxygen in the air, affecting product quality. Introducing nitrogen into the processing equipment creates an inert protective atmosphere, preventing metal oxidation and decarburization. For example, using nitrogen protection in stainless steel production improves its corrosion resistance and surface finish, meeting the needs of high-precision fields such as architectural decoration and medical devices.
(2) Food Industry
Because it is harmless and chemically stable, nitrogen is widely used in food preservation. Nitrogen packaging of puffed foods (such as potato chips and crackers) not only prevents breakage during transportation but also isolates oxygen, inhibiting lipid oxidation and microbial growth, extending the shelf life of the product. In the storage and transportation of edible oils, nitrogen can slow down the rate of oil rancidity, ensuring oil quality.
(3) Chemical Production Field
Nitrogen plays multiple roles in chemical production: as a raw material for synthesizing ammonia, nitric acid, and other chemical products; as a protective gas during reactions to prevent flammable, explosive, or easily oxidized substances from contacting air and causing hazards; and before equipment maintenance, to purge and displace toxic, harmful, flammable, and explosive gases remaining in pipes and containers to ensure safe maintenance.
(4) Electronics Industry
The electronics industry has extremely high requirements for its production environment; even tiny impurities can affect the performance of electronic products. In semiconductor chip manufacturing, nitrogen is used to purge lithography, etching, and other process equipment and chambers, removing dust, water vapor, and other impurities to maintain an ultra-clean production environment. In the packaging of electronic components, nitrogen prevents components from becoming damp or oxidizing, improving product reliability and service life.
With its stable chemical properties and diverse functions, nitrogen plays an indispensable role in industrial production. With technological advancements, the application of nitrogen in emerging fields such as new energy and aerospace is constantly expanding, continuously providing important support for the development of various industries.
Other areas
Oil storage and pressurized pipeline cleaning and purging of oil and gas wells, nitrogen sealing, nitrogen displacement, solvent recovery.
Used for food preservation and grain storage, pest control, food drying and sterilization, quick freezing of food, etc.
Provide the necessary gas raw materials for the preparation of new energy materials, battery production, and create an inert gas environment.
Ensure the manufacturing of electronic components and the stable operation of equipment, providing gas support for maintenance, combustion assistance, cooling, and other aspects related to thermal power generation equipment.
Nitrogen generator: Prevents oxidation, inhibits bacterial growth, and produces odors in biopharmaceuticals, providing protection throughout the process. Oxygen generator: Provides an oxygen-rich environment.
When signs of fire occur in the goaf or other locations, nitrogen injection is needed for fire prevention. The nitrogen device is lowered into the mine. It is used for annealing protective gas and sintering.
Used in the aerospace composite field, providing the necessary inert atmosphere for the molding and reinforcement processes of large carbon fiber composite wings.
Provide protection for the safety of oil and gas reserves, prevent oxidation, nitrogen sealing, and ensure dust suppression, fire prevention, and nitrogen sealing for coal reserves.