Synthesis gas production via dielectric barrier discharge over Ni/(gamma)-Al2O3 catalyst

A study of methane conversion from CO2 reforming of methane using dielectric barrier discharge over Ni/(gamma)Al2O3 catalyst was performed. The main products of reactions were CO, H2, C2H6, C3H8, and C4H10. The effects of input power, total flow rate, and CH4/CO2 ratio on conversion and product selectivity were investigated. Carbon dioxide and methane conversions were enhanced with increasing the input power and decreasing the total flow rate. Ni/(gamma)-Al2O3 catalyst had a great effect on the CO selectivity and CO2 conversion. When Ni/(gamma)-Al2O3 catalyst was applied to DBD, the CO selectivity increased from 49.17 to 60.9% and CO2 conversion increased by about 3%. Even though Ni/(gamma)-Al2O3 catalyst was helpful to improve the CO2 conversion and CO selectivity, the fundamental mechanism of reaction and characterization of catalysts are still unknown and, therefore, further investigations are necessary.