In this study, steam reforming reaction and surface characteristics of Ni metal foam plate were investigated. Valence state of Ni could be changed by pretreatment, and metallic Ni species exposed on surface as a active site play important role in steam reforming reaction. Porous catalytic membrane also was prepared by mixing of Ni metal foam plate and Ni-YSZ catalyst to control the pore size and assign the catalytic function in Ni metal foam plate. In SEM analysis results, Pore size of Ni metal foam plate could be controlled and Ni-YSZ catalyst well dispersed on surface. Ni based porous catalytic membrane had a similar steam reforming activity regardless of space velocity.