Annual Technical Committee Meeting of the Engineering Laboratory

Established at South China University of Technology in 2016 with approval from the National Development and Reform Commission, the National Engineering Laboratory for Volatile Organic Compounds Pollution Control Technology and Equipment (the Laboratory) passed its construction acceptance review in 2021. It now operates as a key national platform for scientific research in atmospheric pollution control.

Waterborne coating product with a card-house structure reinforced by nano-interfacial synergy

Since its establishment, the Engineering Laboratory has been addressing the major national needs for atmospheric environmental governance. It focuses on the research, development and engineering application of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pollution prevention and control technologies and equipment. Its main objectives include solving common technical problems in the industry, breaking through bottlenecks restricting technological and equipment development, enhancing independent innovation capability, and promoting China's VOCs pollution prevention and control technologies and equipment to reach an international advanced level. It also aims to drive the dual upgrading of key emission industries and the pollution control industry.

VOCs Analysis and Testing Laboratory and Purification Material Production Line

The Engineering Laboratory covers a total construction area of approximately 19,000 square meters, with instruments and equipment whose total value exceeds 180 million yuan. It provides full-process support, ranging from R&D of materials and testing of equipment to engineering verification. It operates an inspection and testing center accredited by the National Certification and Accreditation Administration, providing professional testing services.

Key Equipment for VOCs Reduction and Treatment in Industrial Processes

The Laboratory has undertaken more than 40 major national-level projects, including the National Key R&D Program, Key Projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and National Environmental Protection Public Welfare Projects, as well as a large number of application and engineering projects. It has deeply participated in the research and formulation of national atmospheric pollution prevention and control policies and plans, formulated more than 20 national product quality standards and discharge standards, and supported the release of national guiding documents on VOCs pollution prevention and control.

Development and Application Technology of Adsorptive and Catalytic Functional Materials

Additionally, the Engineering Laboratory has provided core technical support for air quality assurance during major events such as the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, China International Import Expo (CIIE), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Qingdao Summit, and G20 Leaders' Communiqué: Hangzhou Summit. It has also offered VOCs governance assistance to 82 cities in 11 provinces. Its achievements have garnered scientific and technological awards such as the First Prize of National Environmental Protection Science and Technology in 2021, the First Prize of Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Progress in 2020, and the First Prize of Guangdong Provincial Technological Invention Award in 2022.

Looking ahead, the Laboratory will continue to focus on whole-process VOCs prevention and control. It will promote the R&D and application of technologies that synergize pollution reduction and carbon emission cuts, aiming to build a more efficient, green, and low-carbon VOCs governance system. This work will provide crucial scientific and technological support for China in achieving its Dual Carbon goals and in the sustained improvement of air quality.