Can a DC Current Replicate the Glow of Hydrogen Peroxide in Glow Sticks?

[kateman]

So from my understanding of glow sticks, the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide provides electrons that excites the fluorescent dye and gives off that classical glow-stick light source.

My question is, could one put a DC current over the solution and still theoretically obtain the same result? If not, what could be done to achieve it from the glow stick dye [other than to put more hydrogen peroxide in there]?

Thanks,
Kateman

 

[Simon Bridge]

So from my understanding of glow sticks, the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide provides electrons that excites the fluorescent dye

... that would not be a good understanding of how a glowstick works. Looking at the chemistry I don't see stray electrons there.

The other side of your question though: there are lots of ways to excite a florescent dye. You can certainly find a dye that will be excited in the presence of an electric field.

I take it you have used-up glow-sticks you'd like to see glow again?
I have not heard of them getting exited in electric fields. I have heard you can get them to light up again using heat. Not tried.

 

[kateman]

...there are lots of ways to excite a florescent dye. You can certainly find a dye that will be excited in the presence of an electric field.

Thanks Simon, much appreciated - can you please give an example of a dye that could do this with either an electric field or current? I tried looking it up, but did not return anything useful.

 

[Simon Bridge]

More like you'd look for voltage sensitive dyes - they are used in cell biology and neuroscience. iirc: usually some kind of florescing protein.

You'd put a vial of your dye between two charged plates :)

 

[alphy]

I can confirm that the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is indeed what causes the glow in glow sticks. However, the use of a DC current to achieve a similar effect is not possible. The chemical reaction that occurs in glow sticks is specific to the mixture of ingredients used and cannot be replicated by simply applying an external current. In fact, attempting to do so could be dangerous and may result in a different chemical reaction altogether. Therefore, the best way to achieve the glow from the dye in a glow stick is by using the appropriate amount of hydrogen peroxide. Alternative methods, such as increasing the concentration of the dye, may also work but could potentially alter the desired effect. It is important to follow the instructions and use caution when handling any chemical substances.