FARADAYIC® HF-FREE Electropolishing Process

Method for electropolishing niobium surfaces with environmentally benign electrolytes. Niobium is one of the best materials for superconductor radiofrequency cavities. Conventional methods for making the interior of niobium optimally smooth are hazardous to the environment as they use concentrated sulfuric and hydrofluoric acids. Contrarily, Faraday Technologies electropolishes niobium with the repeated use of bipolar electric fields. This process uses less concentrated sulfuric acid compared to traditional methods and eliminates hydrofluoric acid. This process also operates at a lower cost and achieves higher performance. 

EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 2013 Small Business Award