HFO-1234yf market potential will be gradually released, industry development is restricted by patents

HFO-1234yf, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, is a single working fluid refrigerant with the characteristics of zero ozone potential (0DP), slightly flammable and low global warming potential (GWP). Following hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), a new generation of ODS substitutes – hydrofluoroolefins (HF0). As a fourth-generation refrigerant, HFO-1234yf is the most likely to replace HFC-134a as a new generation of automotive refrigerant. HFO-1234yf is mainly used in automotive air conditioning refrigeration, and can also be used in residential refrigerators and commercial refrigeration equipment.

As early as the 1950s, DuPont was involved in HFO-1234yf research. In the 1980s, Daikin also began to research HFO-1234yf related technologies. In the 21st century, Honeywell and DuPont have increased their research and development efforts on HFO-1234yf and actively deployed their patent systems. Currently, the world’s major HFO-1234yf patents are held by Honeywell and DuPont, making Honeywell and DuPont’s Chemours the world’s major HFO-1234yf suppliers. As a major country in the fluorine chemical industry, China has also laid out the HFO-1234yf industry. However, due to the lack of patents, China’s HFO-1234yf production needs to cooperate with and obtain authorization from Honeywell and DuPont. Among them, China Juhua Group and Honeywell Synthesis, Changshu Sanaifu cooperates with DuPont. Although Zhongda Huanxin also has HFO-1234yf production capacity, due to patent restrictions, its HFO-1234yf products and downstream products related to its HFO-1234yf are difficult to sell overseas. Lianchuang Co., Ltd. has a production capacity of 5,000 tons of HFO-1234yf, but only sells a small amount, mainly used in the air-conditioning field.

In recent years, global environmental protection policies have become stricter, and major countries have adopted more stringent measures in environmental protection, especially in response to climate issues such as global warming. HFO-1234yf, which has a lower global warming potential (GWP), has been approved by the European Union and other countries around the world. Recognized by major automobile production areas and consumer markets. However, in China, because HFO-1234yf is much higher than the third-generation refrigerant R134a, R134a is still the main refrigerant for automotive refrigeration. However, in recent years, with the high-end transformation of Chinese automobiles, some high-end cars have begun to use HFO-1234yf. For example, NIO’s ET7 new energy vehicle will use HFO-1234yf, making NIO the first domestic company to use HFO-1234yf. enterprise. According to the released “2022-2027 HFO-1234yf Refrigerant Industry Market In-depth Research and Investment Prospect Forecast Analysis Report“, it is expected that In 2022, the global HFO-1234yf market will reach US$1 billion. Among them, developed countries and regions such as Europe and the United States are the main markets, and China’s market share is not high.

Analysts believe that HFO-1234yf, as a new generation of refrigerant, has great potential in automotive refrigeration, refrigerators, commercial refrigeration equipment and other fields. Big market potential. But for now, international chemical giants’ patent protection and high product pricing for HFO-1234yf have largely restricted the promotion and application of HFO-1234yf. Therefore, strengthening independent research and development capabilities, breaking the patent barriers of international chemical giants, and realizing independent production of HFO-1234yf is the only way for the future development and market promotion of China’s HFO-1234yf industry.