In the present study, methanol-steam reforming under the
electric discharge was investigated at various conditions, such
as temperature, feeding rate, voltage, frequency and voltage
waveform. The reaction mechanism of methanol-steam
reforming under the electric discharge was discussed. The
methanol conversion increased with increasing the discharge
voltage and frequency. The square waveform was more
effective than other waveforms such as sine and pulse. The
electric discharge provided the sufficient energy to break
chemical bonds of methanol and steam. Moreover, the strong electric field improved the diffusion and absorption of reactants
on the active sites of the catalyst surface. The
methanol-steam reforming was more improved under the
electric discharge; consequently, the temperature for activating
the process was reduced.