Synthesis gas production via dielectric barrier discharge over Ni/γ-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, H-2, 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 CO, conversion and CO selectivity, the fundamental mechanism of reaction and characterization of catalysts are still unknown and, therefore, further investigations are necessary. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.