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The '''Bosch reaction''' is the exothermic reduction of [[carbon dioxide]] by [[hydrogen]] in the presence of a [[catalyst]] such as [[nickel]] to form [[water]] and elemental [[carbon]].<ref name=Crump>W.J. Crump - ''Issues and solutions for short-duration flights: A historical perspective on physiochemical systems'' in S.E. Churchill ed. ''Fundamentals of space life sciences'' vol. 2. 1997. ISBN 0-89464-051-8 pp. 273-276.</ref><br />
<math>CO_2 + 2H_2 \rightarrow C + 2H_2O + heat</math>

==Uses==
* [[Life support|Preventing toxic carbon dioxide buildup in a spacecraft atmosphere]]<ref name=Crump />.
* Provides a source of carbon.
* Results in production of either water or oxygen:
** If the hydrogen for the process must come from water (most likely by [[electrolysis]]), the Bosch reaction results in a nett release of [[oxygen]] for breathing, for water filter production, as a metallurgical additive or as a chemical reagent.
** Alternatively, in an [[Earth-supported colony]] that shipped molecular hydrogen from Earth, it would allow water production from the Martian atmosphere (within the limits of available hydrogen).

==Disadvantages==
* The catalyst requires regular cleaning or replacement due to the inhibiting effect of the layer of carbon that forms on it.<ref name=Crump />
* The reaction only takes place at a fairly high temperature and so places a drain on energy and thermal control resources in a spacecraft/colony.<ref name=Crump />

==See also==
* [[Sabatier process]]
* [[Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction]]
* [[Charcoal]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Chemistry]]
[[Category:ISRU]]
[[Category:Life support]]