Electropolishing of stainless steel in an ionic liquid

Efficient electropolishing of stainless steel is demonstrated in an ionic liquid produced from ethylene glycol and choline chloride (HOC2H4N(CH3) Cl-+(3)-). It is shown that the metal dissolves without prior passivation and no gassing is observed at the anode surface. No dealloying of the substrate is observed and no changes in the polish quality are observed as the ionic liquid ages.