The planar membrane reactor configuration was explored for partial oxidation of methane (POM) to syngas. A supported membrane composed of yttria-stabilized zirconia and La 0.8 Sr 0.2 Cr 0.5 Fe 0.5 O 3-d was sealed to a stainless holder, and a Ni/Al 2 O 3 catalyst bed was placed under the membrane plane with a small slit between them. This reactor configuration would facilitate the POM reaction via oxidation-reforming mechanism: the oxidation reaction occurring at the membrane surface and the reforming reaction taking place in the catalyst bed. At 8008C and a methane feed rate of 32 mL min
21, the reactor attained methane throughput conversion over 90%, CO and H 2 selectivity both over 95%, and an equivalent oxygen permeation rate 1.4 mL cm 22 min 21 . The membrane and catalyst remained intact after the POM testing. The planar membrane reactor configuration explored in this study may lead to the development of a compact reactor for syngas production.