A novel selective denitrification process, referred as O-3-ethanol oxidation method, was developed by injecting O-3 and ethanol mixtures into the simulated flue gas duct. The organic radicals, generated through the ethanol oxidation by O-3, can oxidize NO into NO2, and finally into important industrial raw, namely, nitrate organics or aqueous nitrate acids. The residual ethanol in the tail can be recycled. The CO32-, HCO3- and SO2 in the flue gas hardly exhibit any effect on the NOX removal. Compared to the conventional O-3 oxidation method, the present method shows higher selective oxidation of NO, higher NOX removal and less O-3 consumption as well as proves lower initial investment and operating costs with more compact equipment. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.