CO₂ reforming of methane by the combination of dielectric-barrier discharges and catalysis

The combination of solid state catalysts with a dielectric-barrier discharge was studied for the CO₂ reforming of methane, including the methane and carbon dioxide decomposition reactions. Nickel and rhodium coatings were investigated for their influence on the plasma chemical reactions. It is shown that the use of a catalytic coating in the discharge can have a promoting effect on the plasma chemistry. Secondly, the use of the ceramic foams improved the temperature control in the discharge and lowered the undesired temperature increase in the discharge.