Ni/MgO catalyst prepared via dielectric-barrier discharge plasma with improved catalytic performance for carbon dioxide reforming of methane

A Ni/MgO catalyst was prepared via novel dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma decomposition method. The combined characterization of Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurement, X-ray diffraction, hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction and transmission electron microscopy shows that DBD plasma treatment enhances the support-metal interaction of Ni/MgO catalyst and facilitates the formation of smaller Ni particles. Sphere-like Ni particles form on plasma treated Ni/MgO catalysts. The plasma treated Ni/MgO catalyst shows a significantly improved low temperature activity and good stability for CO2 reforming of methane to syngas.