Effect of Temperature and Concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide on the Length of a Luminol Chemiluminesence Reaction
This experiment was run to test the effect of temperature and concentration of hydrogen peroxide on a chemiluminescent reaction. The chemicals involved in the reaction were luminol, hydrogen peroxide, and potassium ferricyanide. The problem was tested by creating a luminol solution and three hydrogen peroxide potassium ferricyanide solutions, one of each amount of hydrogen peroxide being tested. The hydrogen peroxide potassium ferricyanide was brought to the desired temperature and then mixed with the luminol solution in a black box. A light sensor was placed inside the box to measure the length of the reaction. This data was then analyzed using a Three Factor Design of Experiment. While the lower temperature did create longer reaction times, it was not enough of a difference to make it a significant factor. The D.O.E. found that the only significant factor was the amount of hydrogen peroxide present in the experiment. This led to the assumption that the hydrogen peroxide was the limiting reactant in the experiment. Further research into this area may include testing other types of chemiluminescence reactions, different temperatures, or testing bioluminescent reactions.
Research Done By:
Amanda Mims
Fraser High School
Abbra Puvalowski
Lake Shore High School
Warren Consolidated Schools