Improvement in the activity of Ni/ZrO2 by cold plasma decomposition for dry reforming of methane

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) over Ni catalysts has attracted increasing attentions. However, the catalytic activity needs to be improved. Herein Ni/ZrO2 catalyst was prepared via decomposition of nickel precursor under influence of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at similar to 150 degrees C. Such prepared catalyst has mainly exposed Ni (111) facets, smaller metal particles and more tetragonal zirconia with increased oxygen vacancies. All lead to significantly improved activities in the temperature range 550-800 degrees C, compared to the calcined catalyst. For example, the hydrogen yield over the plasma prepared catalyst attains 50.38% at 650 degrees C, while it is 36.57% with the calcined catalyst.