Non-thermal plasma assisted CO2 reforming of propane over Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) assisted CO2 reforming of propane was studied in combination with a Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst. The activation temperature of the catalyst is reduced, and the conversion of the reactants is improved compared with the summed results of the plasma and catalytic modes. The selectivity of H2 and CO is greatly enhanced. Both excited species produced by NTP and the interaction of NTP with the catalyst are probably responsible for the decrease of the activation temperature of the catalyst. Synergistic effect between the plasma and the catalyst leads to the improvement of the conversion of reactants and the selectivity of H2 and CO.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights► Synergistic effect is observed in the combination reaction mode of non-thermal plasma and a Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst. ► The activation temperature of the catalyst is reduced. ► The conversion of the reactants is higher than the summed conversions of catalytic and plasma modes. ► Selectivities of H2 and CO are higher than in the other two modes. ► Methanation reaction is inhibited compared with catalytic mode. ► The selectivity of C2 and C4–C6 hydrocarbons drastically decreases compared with that in plasma mode.