Dimethyl ether (DME), with its non-toxic character, high H/C ratio and high-energy volumetric density, is an ideal resource for hydrogen production. This work presents a hydrogen production from partial oxidation of DME using corona discharge plasma performed at ambient conditions. The partial oxidation can avoid the undesired carbon deposit existing in the decomposition of DME and a stable operation has been obtained. The carbon deposit is completely avoided when the O-2/DME ratio is 1.05. Partial oxidation can also greatly improve the conversion rate and energy efficiency. The optimal O-2/DME ratio is 1.38, with which the rate of H-2 production is 1.33 times higher and the energy efficiency is 1.72 times higher than that of DME decomposition. The higher O-2/DME ratio results in complete oxidation and reduces the rate of H-2 production. AC plasma is more efficient than the DC plasma and the optimum frequency is 2 kHz. The order of desired waveform is: sinusoid > sinusoid triangular > square > ramp. (C) 2006 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.