How to Make Homemade Glow Sticks

For a fun experiment for the science fair or just a do-it-yourself project at home, make homemade glow sticks. You can purchase the ingredients from online stores, but much of it is available at the supermarket if you know what to look for. For example, sodium carbonate is often sold in the laundry detergent aisle. Once you have the ingredients assembled and a clear workspace, you can begin.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 liters distilled water 50 milliliters hydrogen peroxide at a 3-percent concentration 0.5 grams ammonium carbonate 0.2 grams luminol 4 grams sodium carbonate 0.4 grams copper sulfate pentahydrate 2 glass bowls 3 or 4 test tubes with stoppers

1. Use a glass mixing bowl to mix 1 liter of water with the hydrogen peroxide.

2. Mix the sodium carbonate, luminol, copper sulfate and ammonium carbonate in another glass bowl, along with 1 liter of water.

3. Hold out an open test tube and pour in 2 tablespoons of the first mixture.

4. Pour in 2 tablespoons of the second mixture and cap the test tube tightly.

5. Gently shake the test tube to mix the contents. As the chemical reaction begins, you'll see the mixture start to glow--a result of the hydrogen peroxide solution oxidizing the luminol. The glow should last for a few minutes before fading.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful not to spill any of the substances on your skin or clothes, as several of them could cause a chemical reaction and irritate your skin or damage your clothing. Sensitive people also can have an allergic reaction.

Resources

• Basic Chemistry Supplies