Resolving the overlooked photochemical nitrophenol transformation mechanism induced by nonradical species under visible light

Significance The poorly recognized photochemical transformation of nitrophenol on the particulate surface prevents a clear understanding of its important contribution to air pollution. This study marks the instance of the visible photochemical transformation mechanism of nitrophenol on the surface of atmospheric photoactive particulates and reveals the unique role of nonradical species (1O2) in driving the visible photolysis of particulate nitrophenols.