How to Make Glow in the Dark Fluid

Although many liquids will glow under a black light, including tonic water, urine and even a popular carbonated beverage, a liquid that glows in the dark without a black light can be made, although not easily, through a chemical reaction. Called chemiluminescence, it's what makes light sticks glow when you bend the tube, causing two chemicals to interact.

Things You'll Need

• Sea creatures
• Distilled water
• Gene replication equipment
• Calcium
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Phenyl oxalate ester
• Fluorescent dye

Instructions

Biological Chemiluminescence - The Hard Way

1. Catch sea creatures that glow in the dark, such as squid and jellyfish.

2. Find the genes that give these creatures the ability to glow in the dark.

3. Replicate these genes, then reduce them to powder.

4. Place the powder in a transparent container and add distilled water.

5. Add a chemical that will activate the genes and cause the liquid to glow. A good choice is calcium.

Chemical Chemiluminescence - The Easier Way

1. Place hydrogen peroxide in a container. Hydrogen peroxide can be found in any drugstore.

2. Create a solution of phenyl oxalate ester and add a fluorescent dye. Both can be purchased over the Internet, although they can be expensive. Check sites that sell supplies to school science labs and search for luminol, which contains both the phenyl oxalate ester and the dye.

3. Add the phenyl oxalate ester solution to the hydrogen peroxide to create the chemical reaction that will allow the liquid to glow.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use the glow-in-the-dark liquid to paint items and make them glow. You can also add it to food and beverages. It is perfectly safe to apply to your skin or to drink.

• To slow the chemical reaction and make your glow-in-dark liquid glow for a longer time, place it in the freezer. To speed the reaction and make your liquid glow brighter, warm it.

• Luminol is caustic. Use gloves and a respirator mask when working with it. Do not allow your chemical glow-in-the dark liquid to come into contact with your skin, and don't drink it.

Resources

• For a more detailed explanation, visit Stason.org.