I. Background

Since the implementation of the 13th Five-Year Plan, China has made remarkable progress in improving overall air quality. However, ozone (O₃) pollution has emerged as a major new challenge. Monitoring data show that O₃ concentrations in many regions continue to fluctuate at high levels, leading to frequent large-scale and persistent pollution episodes. In 2022, days dominated by O₃ accounted for nearly half of all days exceeding air quality standards, surpassing PM_2.5 and becoming the primary pollutant affecting China’s air quality.

Elevated O₃ levels not only offset the gains in air quality improvement but also pose significant risks to ecosystems and public health. High O₃ concentrations inhibit plant photosynthesis, reduce crop yields, weaken forest carbon sinks, and increase the burden of respiratory and metabolic diseases.To address these challenges and meet urgent national needs for precision control of ozone pollution, Peking University established the Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Ozone Pollution Prevention and Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment. After four years of development, the laboratory has formed a comprehensive research system to investigate O₃ formation mechanisms, regional characteristics, and coordinated control strategies, supporting China’s goals of continuous air quality improvement and ecological civilization.

II. Research Directions

The laboratory focuses on the regulation of atmospheric oxidation and the coordinated control of ozone and fine particulate matter. Research is organized around three major directions:

1. Atmospheric Oxidation Closure Monitoring and Simulation

This direction targets the scientific challenges of complex atmospheric chemistry. The laboratory is developing:

· Full-spectrum radical observation and simulation frameworks

· High-precision online and offline measurement systems for OH, HO₂, RO₂, and NO₃

· Advanced monitoring instruments for key precursors such as HONO and HCHO

· Technical systems integrating field observation, atmospheric simulation chambers, and laboratory experiments

These efforts aim to reveal the composition, structure, and controlling factors of atmospheric oxidation in key regions such as Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, and Sichuan–Chongqing, and to support refined simulation and prediction of atmospheric oxidative capacity.

2. Formation Mechanisms of Ozone, Secondary PM₂.₅, and Climate–Health Impacts

This direction focuses on:

· Comprehensive radical chemistry observations and mechanism simulations in major urban clusters

· Source attribution and transformation pathways of radicals and key precursors (VOCs, NOₓ, CO, etc.)

· Laboratory kinetic and quantum chemical studies of VOC oxidation and SOA formation

· Characterizing the interactions between oxidation processes, new particle formation, and aerosol aging

Additionally, the laboratory evaluates health, ecological, and climate impacts through high-resolution exposure models and integrated “economy–environment–health” assessment frameworks.

3. Coordinated Regional Control of Ozone and Fine Particulates

Aligned with national air quality and carbon neutrality goals, this direction:

· Identifies regional ozone formation regimes and climate-adaptive control zones

· Develops integrated models linking emissions–chemistry–transport–impacts

· Explores synergistic reduction strategies for VOCs, NOₓ, SO₂, and NH₃

· Proposes science-based, region-specific, and policy-operable control pathways

These studies provide technical and decision-support solutions for precise, collaborative, and climate-resilient air pollution governance.

III. Mission and Vision

The laboratory is committed to:

· Advancing frontier research on ozone and atmospheric oxidation

· Building an integrated observation–simulation–control technology system

· Providing scientific support for national environmental governance and policy-making

· Cultivating innovative young scientists with global perspectives

Our goal is to become a national innovation hub for ozone pollution prevention, a high-level talent training center, and a strategic think tank supporting China’s efforts to achieve blue skies, carbon peak and neutrality, and ecological civilization.