The AES method has been used to investigate the iron-potassium-oxygen
sysem. A new model of the iron catalyst for the ammonia synthesis reac
tion has been proposed, on the grounds of studies on the interactions
between potassium, oxygen, and nitrogen on the iron surface. In this s
imple model the active sites are located under the layer of potassium
atoms and on the layer of iron atoms. A part of those sites are occupi
ed by oxygen atoms which stabilize the potassium atoms on the catalyst
surface at the temperature of the ammonia synthesis reaction. The pro
moting action of potassium in this reaction is effected by the electro
n transfer from potassium to the iron surface covered with oxygen.