This study was performed to develop a DME SR catalyst with high H(2) selectivity using a heat source and water in the exhaust emissions of vehicles. The final goal of the research is to develop a combined system of SR + LNT for improving the de-NOx performance of the catalyst system in a DME engine. The scope of this research encompasses the optimization of the Cu concentration for the SR catalyst, evaluation of the NOx conversion efficiency of the LNT catalyst according to the kind of reductant (H(2), CO, and DME), and evaluation of the de-NOx performance of the LNT catalyst and a combined system of SR + LNT. As a result of experiments concerning DME SR catalysts manufactured through the sol-gel method, the Cu20%/gamma-Al(2)O(3) catalyst showed the highest DME conversion and H(2) selectivity. The combined system of SR + LNT using a Cu20%/gamma-Al(2)O(3) SR catalyst increased the NOx conversion by about 20% compared to the LNT catalyst alone at temperatures over 300 degrees C. In the combined system of SR + LNT, a supply of 1% of DME results in a higher NOx conversion than a supply of 0.75%, but results in NH(3) slip and higher fuel consumption; therefore, supplying 0.75% of DME is favorable. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.