Plasma catalytic conversion of methane into syngas: the combined effect of discharge activation and catalysis

In the current study we investigate the combined operation of a dielectric barrier discharge and an (alpha)-alumina supported Ni catalyst in the partial oxidation of methane. In order to separate the effects of plasma activation from catalytic processes, the study includes both purely catalytic and plasma-activated operation of the reactor. Whereas the catalyst alone is only active above 300 °C, plasma induced partial oxidation of methane is observed in the entire temperature range investigated (100–400 °C). By comparing the reaction over the Ni catalyst in different oxidation states with the catalyst support only, conclusions are drawn regarding surface and gas phase processes.