Ozone Pollution in China: Current Status and Control Strategies

Tianzeng Chen , Biwu Chu , Jinzhu Ma , Qingxin Ma , Qian Liu , Shuxiao Wang , Kebin He , Jincai Zhao , Hong He

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Engineering ›› DOI: 10.1016/j.eng.2025.06.044
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Ozone Pollution in China: Current Status and Control Strategies
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Abstract

This work outlines the current status of ozone (O3) pollution in China, which has become increasingly prominent in recent years, and control strategies that can be used to address this issue. O3 is a secondary product from the complex photochemical reactions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) coupled with the nitrogen oxide (NOx) cycle. Considering the sources of precursors (i.e., VOCs and NOx) and the maturity of corresponding control technologies, substantially reducing NOx is a more feasible strategy for reducing O3 concentrations than focusing on VOCs, although it is undeniable that implementing coordinated control of NOx and VOCs in an optimal reduction ratio based on the specific conditions of different regions is the most effective strategy for controlling O3 pollution. Additionally, direct O3-decomposition technologies using catalytic materials coated on artificial surfaces offer a promising solution: These technologies can remove O3 without additional energy consumption, providing a practical complement to traditional emission-control strategies.

Keywords

Ozone control / Nitrogen oxides / Substantial reduction / Direct decomposition / Environmental catalytic city

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Tianzeng Chen, Biwu Chu, Jinzhu Ma, Qingxin Ma, Qian Liu, Shuxiao Wang, Kebin He, Jincai Zhao, Hong He. Ozone Pollution in China: Current Status and Control Strategies. Engineering DOI:10.1016/j.eng.2025.06.044

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