Ni Supported on LaFeO₃ Perovskites for Methane Steam Reforming: On the Promotional Effects of Plasma Treatment in H₂–Ar Atmosphere

Steam reforming of methane for hydrogen production was performed over Ni catalysts supported on LaFeO₃ perovskites synthesized with different methods and treated by non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBD) in H₂/Ar atmosphere. It is found that catalysts prepared by glycine–nitrate combustion and sol–gel method show better performance than the one prepared with precipitation method. With plasma treatment before calcination, the catalytic performance of all the catalysts has been evidently improved. It is revealed that plasma treating can enhance the interaction between Ni and the LaFeO₃ supports, thus resulting in catalysts with improved Ni dispersion, higher thermal stability and improved surface areas. SEM and TGA-DSC results testified that on the plasma treated catalysts, carbon deposition can be suppressed. These are believed to be the major reasons accounting for the improved catalytic performance of the catalysts by plasma treatment.