Nickel-based catalysts supported on alpha-Al2O3 for the partial oxidation of methane were activated by a glow discharge plasma technique. The activating process was simple, quick, audio-visual, and easy to control. The activity and stability of the activated catalyst were higher than those of conventional catalysts. The methane conversion of 98.2%: and selectivity of 97.3% to hydrogen and 96.5% to carbon monoxide were obtained at 850 degrees C. The catalyst could maintain its activity over 15 hr. According to the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), the component of crystal phase and the reducibility of the activated catalyst,were significantly different from those of Conventional catalysts.