On China’s National Science and Technology Workers’ Day (May 30), we recognize the dedicated research team at Quanzhou Yuji Advanced Materials. Quietly but consistently, they have driven major progress in environmentally friendly fluorochemicals. This is the story of how Yuji’s scientists are helping shape the future of ODS alternatives with Chinese expertise and global awareness.
Strategic Foresight: Pioneering a Technical Revolution
Innovation often begins with long-term vision and a strong sense of scientific responsibility.
Yuji’s founder—an internationally renowned expert in fluorochemicals with more than 30 years of experience in ozone-depleting substance (ODS) alternatives—was among the early pioneers in this field in China. Under his leadership, the company has brought together a diverse team of PhD researchers and industry professionals, forming a collaborative “scientist-engineer” model that integrates academic insight with practical application.
Today, with international environmental regulations tightening and growing attention on PFAS (“forever chemicals”), the fluorochemical industry faces mounting pressure to develop cleaner, safer alternatives.
In 2024, Yuji made a strategic leap—defining and industrializing fifth-generation ODS alternatives with three breakthrough benchmarks:
✓ Zero ODP (ozone depletion potential)
✓ Ultra-low GWP (global warming potential)
✓ No TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) degradation
This innovation was publicly introduced at the China Fluorosilicone Industry Association Forum in April 2024 by Dr. Jia Xiaoqing, Chairman of Yuji—marking the first time a Chinese enterprise has taken the lead in this area of innovation.
Convergence Innovation: Shattering Technical Barriers
Bringing fifth-generation ODS alternatives from concept to reality required a highly coordinated, cross-functional effort across R&D, production, and market application:
1. Molecular Design: Finding the One in a Million
Yuji’s team employed:
“Our proprietary fluorination catalyst system enabled us to accelerate optimization by 300%,” says Dr. Yang Xiaodong, R&D Lead. “We aim not only to meet performance standards but also to make the production process more economical and sustainable.
Yuji’s process engineers transformed gram-scale success into 100-ton production through:
“Scale-up isn’t magnification—it’s re-engineering for eco-efficiency,” emphasizes Li Yongfu, Pilot Plant Director.
This achievement marks meaningful progress in the development of next-generation fluorinated ODS alternatives and contributes to:
l Compliance with the Montreal Protocol
l Progress toward carbon neutrality
l Advancement of sustainable cooling initiatives worldwide
Talent Incubation: Building a Global Innovation Hub
Beyond technology, Yuji is also committed to cultivating international talent and cross-border collaboration. Key achievements include:
Recent milestones further reinforcing this approach include:
With a growing base of scientific talent and a clear focus on sustainable innovation, Yuji is making a meaningful contribution to addressing global environmental challenges through rigorous science and practical commitment.
