How To Make A Chemical Light

Glow sticks are a fun light toy for both children and adults, and these chemical lights can actually be made at home. With the right chemicals and supplies, you can make a glowing liquid that mimics the store-bought commercial brands. You'll need a number of chemicals — the more unusual of which you'll need to find online — distilled water, glass containers and safety gloves to complete this straightforward do-it-yourself project.

Step 1

Prepare your work area by ensuring that it is well-ventilated, free of spills and away from flames. Put on your safety glasses and gloves.

Step 2

Pour 1 liter of distilled water into a glass container. Slowly add 4 grams of sodium carbonate with 0.2 gram of luminol, 0.5 gram of ammonium carbonate and 0.4 gram of copper sulfate pentahydrate.

Step 3

Mix the chemicals thoroughly, and set aside the container.

Step 4

Pour 1 liter of distilled water into a second glass container. Add 50 milliliters of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and stir well.

Step 5

Put the contents of both containers into a third glass jar. Pour them together slowly to create a blue glowing liquid.