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The China Instrument Network Instrument Research and Development team recently announced significant progress in the simultaneous high-sensitivity detection of atmospheric NO3 and N2O5. The groundbreaking research, published in *Optics Express*, marks an important step forward in atmospheric chemistry studies.
NO3 radicals play a crucial role in nighttime atmospheric chemistry as the primary oxidants. They react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to form organic nitrates. N2O5, which is in thermal equilibrium with NO3, can hydrolyze at night, leading to the formation of nitrate and ClNO2. These secondary pollutants are key components of urban air pollution. Accurate measurement of NO3 and N2O5 concentrations is essential for understanding nighttime chemical processes and their impact on air quality.
Building on previous work in cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS), associate researcher Hu Renzhi overcame challenges related to efficient laser coupling and thermal cavity stability. This led to the development of a novel cavity ring-down system capable of simultaneously detecting NO3 and N2O5. Field tests were conducted in Beijing from June 2nd to June 22nd, 2017, marking the first time such data was collected in urban areas of China. The system was also used to measure vertical profiles of these species during winter in Beijing, revealing that nighttime chemical activity remains active even in cold seasons.
This advanced instrument is designed to meet the growing demand for high-sensitivity, high-time-resolution, real-time measurements of NO3 and N2O5 across multiple platforms. It offers a powerful tool for studying atmospheric chemical reactions and provides critical data for understanding secondary pollution mechanisms and the behavior of NO3 radicals and N2O5 in the atmosphere.
The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Ministry of Science and Technology's special projects.
(Original title: Anguang's new progress in simultaneous high-sensitivity detection of NO3 and N2O5 in the atmosphere)