The steammethane-reformation (SMR) reaction has been modified by including sodium hydroxide in the reaction. It is found that the reaction: 2NaOH+CH4+H2O = Na2CO3+4H2 takes place at much lower temperatures (300600 degrees C) than the SMR reaction (8001200 degrees C). The reaction rate is enhanced with a nickel catalyst. We have studied the effect of variously ball-milled nickel on the reaction rate and determined the optimum particle size of the catalyst. Best results were achieved by grinding the catalyst for 2h. Prolonged ball milling caused the nickel platelets to coalesce and grow in size decreasing the reaction rate. Copyright (c) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.