University Chemistry ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (5): 239-251.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202511119

Special Issue:

• Special Subject • Previous Articles    

From a faint glow to a radiant blaze: the fascinating journey of sodium percarbonate “lighting up” luminol chemiluminescence

Xun Pei, Jiahui Liu, Haozhuo Liu, Qiuhong Wei, Xiaocui Chen, Ranxiao Tang   

  1. College of Science, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, Hebei Province, China
  • Received:2025-11-20 Accepted:2026-02-26 Published:2026-05-21
  • Contact: Ranxiao Tang E-mail:happytrx@163.com

Abstract: This study develops a public-oriented science communication system featuring chemiluminescence experiments using luminol and sodium percarbonate (commonly called “oxygen-releasing salts”) as core reactants. We successfully transitioned the conventional liquid-phase luminol luminescence reaction into a solid-state system by creating a “luminescent powder” mixture of luminol and sodium percarbonate, which emits cold light under specific conditions to form an intuitive, easily operable visual demonstration. The experiment progresses through three conceptual phases: “Principles of Chemiluminescence”, “Applications of Chemiluminescence”, and “Aesthetics of Chemiluminescence”, elucidating the reaction mechanism of luminol glow, establishing rapid identification methods for oxygen-releasing salt components, and integrating the luminous phenomenon with lighting art, cultural connections, and scientific heritage. Employing a dual-channel dissemination strategy combining online and offline approaches with tiered content design, this system effectively stimulates scientific interest and practical engagement across age groups. The solid-state luminescence system demonstrates notable advantages in operational simplicity and adaptability, with potential applications spanning science education, cultural innovation, and public communication. This research exemplifies the multidimensional integration of fundamental chemical knowledge with daily life, aesthetic experiences, and science communication, pioneering a new pathway for chemistry outreach that progresses from “perceivable” to “understandable”.

Key words: Luminol, Sodium percarbonate, Chemiluminescence, Popular science experiment