Synergies\nbetween Plasma and Thermal Catalysis on\nSteam Methane Reforming for Hydrogen Production

The use of plasma technology powered by low-carbon electricity\nrepresents a sustainable approach to hydrogen production, aligning\nwith principles of green chemistry and engineering. This study investigates\nthe interplay between plasma, thermal, and catalytic conditions in\nsteam methane reforming (SMR) for hydrogen generation. Synergies between\nplasma and thermal catalysis were evaluated across different reactor\nconfigurations. The combination of reactor insulation and an active\ncatalyst significantly enhanced methane conversion and hydrogen yield,\nwhile reducing energy input, promoting energy-efficient processes.\nRemarkably, at 30 W, the Ni/CeO<sub>2</sub> catalyst achieved 95%\nselectivity for the SMR reaction at lower temperatures, as confirmed\nby diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS).\nInsulating the reactor improved thermal energy utilization, enabling\na 64% hydrogen yield with only half the power required in noninsulated\nsystems. While synergy for methane conversion was negligible, a strong\nsynergistic effect on selectivity to the overall SMR reaction emerged\nbetween plasma and thermal catalysis. The effective use of thermal\nenergy facilitated the water–gas shift reaction, completing\nthe process and increasing hydrogen selectivity. These findings highlight\nthe potential of plasma-assisted catalysis as a sustainable, energy-efficient\nsolution for hydrogen production.