Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide adsorption on zinc oxide and zirconium hydroxide nanoparticles and the effect on photoluminescence

► Exposure of zinc oxide and zirconium hydroxide particles to SO2 and NO2 results in adsorbed SO3 and NO3, respectively. ► The amount of adsorbed SO3 and NO3 is enhanced by hydration of the samples prior to reactive gas exposure. ► Adsorption results in changes in the photoluminescence spectra of ZnO and Zr(OH)4.