A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor, driven by a pulsed corona surface discharge (PCSD), was developed for the removal of particulate matter (PM) in an undiluted exhaust gas of a diesel engine. The DBD reactor consisted mainly of alumina (Al2O3) plates and metal meshes covered on the surfaces of Al2O3 plates. The PCSD was carried out with a pulse power supply at atmospheric pressure and the temperature of exhaust gases. The energy efficiency for PM removal was 26.5 mug/J at maximum and 1 mug/J with 42% PM removal. The construction of the DBD reactor that promoted PM deposition on Al2O3 surfaces improved energy efficiency. The constants in PM removal model were given. (C) 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.