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Nitrogen Oxides
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Description

NOx is the collective term for nitrogen oxides, specifically nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which are highly reactive gases composed of nitrogen and oxygen atoms.
These two compounds are the most relevant nitrogen oxides for air pollution

Characteristics

  • Nitric oxide (NO) is a colorless, bioactive gas
  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a reddish-brown, highly toxic gas with a pungent smell

Formation

NOx primarily forms through combustion processes at high temperatures when nitrogen and oxygen react.
There are three main formation mechanisms:

  • Thermal NOx occurs at temperatures above 1,300°C from nitrogen and oxygen in combustion air.
  • Fuel NOx forms from nitrogen bound in fuel at temperatures from 800°C.
  • Prompt NOx develops under the influence of fuel radicals at the flame front.

During normal combustion, up to 95% of NOx consists of NO, while NO2 primarily forms afterward through reaction with atmospheric oxygen.
These compounds play a significant role in the formation of smog and acid rain, as well as affecting tropospheric ozone levels.

 

Source: Perplexity A.I. search, 1st Jan 2024, Prompt: 'Can you provide a definition of NOx composed of nitrogen and oxygen?'.

 

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Nitrogen oxides molecules: nitrogen dioxide (top) and nitrogen monoxide (bottom) https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/air-quality/nitrogen-oxides
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