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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Experimental Methods of Dust Charging and Mobilization on Surfaces with Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation or Plasmas

Experimental Methods of Dust Charging and Mobilization on Surfaces with Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation or Plasmas

Published on: April 3, 2018

Atmospheric reactions on electrically charged surfaces.

Leon F Phillips¹

¹Chemistry Department, University of California at Irvine, USA.

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP

|May 22, 2013

Summary

In dust storms, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) converts to nitrous acid (HONO) via electron capture by NO2 on charged dust particles. This process also occurs on other aerosols and surfaces, impacting atmospheric chemistry.

Area of Science:

Atmospheric Chemistry
Environmental Science

Background:

Tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a key air pollutant.
Atmospheric dust particles can influence chemical reactions.
The formation pathways of nitrous acid (HONO) are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose a novel mechanism for HONO formation in dust storms.
To investigate the role of charged aerosol particles in atmospheric chemistry.
To explore the conversion of NO2 to HONO initiated by electron transfer.

Main Methods:

Theoretical proposal of a reaction mechanism.
Description of electron capture by NO2 on negatively charged dust particles.
Postulation of reaction between excited NO2(-) and water molecules.

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Main Results:

NO2 can be efficiently converted to HONO on negatively charged dust particles via electron capture.
The process involves a harpoon-type electron transfer mechanism.
The excited [NO2(-)]* ion reacts with water to form HONO and OH(-)·(H2O)n cluster ions.

Conclusions:

This mechanism provides a new pathway for HONO production in dusty atmospheres.
Analogous processes may occur on various aerosol types and Earth's surfaces.
The findings have implications for understanding atmospheric pollutant transformation and air quality.