Non-thermal plasma-assisted dry reforming of methane: catalyst design, in situ characterization and hybrid system development

The synergistic integration of non-thermal plasma and catalysis in dry reforming of methane (DRM) has unveiled new avenues for transforming greenhouse gases (CH₄ and CO₂) into valuable products while concurrently reducing environmental impact. Despite its operation at low temperatures and atmospheric pressure, high energy consumption and low selectivity hinder industrial-scale adoption. Addressing these challenges requires the development of catalysts with enhanced selectivity, improved interactions with electric fields, and prolonged stability. This review examines how the physical and chemical properties of catalysts profoundly impact DRM. Physical properties influence plasma discharge, altering the electric field and electron energy, while chemical properties play a crucial role in surface reactions, especially in forming specific products like liquid oxygenates. This review also highlights advanced in situ characterization techniques that reveal related reaction mechanisms and explores emerging hybrid systems that combine plasma with thermal catalysis, photocatalysis, or electrocatalysis, offering promising solutions for practical plasma-assisted DRM implementation. It emphasizes the need for unified catalyst performance prediction criteria and advanced in-situ characterization to unravel the reaction mechanisms. By covering both traditional and novel hybrid plasma-catalyst systems, this review aims to serve as a comprehensive guide for researchers and industry professionals to advance their expertise in this transformative field.