Increasing contribution of nighttime nitrogen chemistry to wintertime haze formation in Beijing observed during COVID-19 lockdowns

Nitrate comprises the largest fraction of fine particulate matter in China during severe haze. Consequently, strict control of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions has been regarded as an effective measure to combat air pollution. However, this notion is challenged by the persistent severe haze pollution observed during the COVID-19 lockdown when NOx levels substantially declined. Here we present direct field evidence that diminished nitrogen monoxide (NO) during the lockdown activated nocturnal nitrogen chemistry, driving severe haze formation. First, dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) heterogeneous reactions dominate particulate nitrate (pNO(3)(-)) formation during severe pollution, explaining the higher-than-normal pNO(3)(-) fraction in fine particulate matter despite the substantial NOx reduction. Second, N2O5 heterogeneous reactions provide a large source of chlorine radicals on the following day, contributing drastically to the oxidation of volatile organic compounds, and thus the formation of oxygenated organic molecules and secondary organic aerosol. Our findings highlight the increasing importance of such nocturnal nitrogen chemistry in haze formation caused by NOx reduction, motivating refinements to future air pollution control strategies.

Automated summary

This study reveals that the activation of nocturnal nitrogen chemistry during severe haze pollution contributes to the formation of fine particulate matter despite the reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. The heterogeneous reactions of dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) dominate the formation of particulate nitrate (pNO(3)(-)) and provide a source of chlorine radicals, leading to the oxidation of volatile organic compounds and the formation of oxygenated organic molecules and secondary organic aerosol.