The catalytic activity of Ni₃Al foils for methane steam reforming was investigated by isochronal test from 873 to 1173 K, and the stability at 973 K for 20 h was also studied by isothermal test. Further, the effect of pretreatment, which was steam-oxidation then reduction at 873 K on the catalytic property, was also investigated. The results of catalytic reactions and the microstructure observations by SEM showed that the Ni₃Al foils whether or not through the pretreatment all had certain activities and stabilities. The pretreatment significantly enhanced the catalytic activity of Ni₃Al foils. Ni-enriched outer surface formed after the pretreatment was thought as the main reason of the enhancement. It was also considered that the Ni atoms moved from the matrix of Ni₃Al foils to the outer surface during the reactions were attributed to the catalytic stabilities.

Key words: methane steam reforming, Ni₃Al foils, catalytic activity, stability