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Content

Students will receive a short theoretical introduction to basic concepts about light, the electromagnetic spectrum and light-matter interaction (colour, absorption, luminescence, etc.). The most common uses of sunlight as a source of sustainable energy will be discussed. There will also be a demonstration of chemiluminescence, followed by two hands-on group activities: detection of hemoglobin in blood samples and operation of luminescent sticks.

Concepts covered:

1- Luminescence
Through visual examples they will be able to understand the luminescence phenomenon of both organic and inorganic molecules, some of which are found in our everyday life. They will also receive a brief introduction to luminescent nanomaterials and their applications in new technologies.


2- Chemiluminescence
How do glow sticks work? During this activity, students will put into practice the concept of chemiluminescence, that is to say the production of light from a chemical reaction.

Shall we play detective? Luminol is a molecule capable of generating light when it reacts with an oxidising agent and is widely used in forensic chemistry for the detection of blood. In this experience, two real samples will be analysed and it will be determined which one contains traces of hemoglobin, thanks to the emission of blue light from luminol.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Target audience:   Primary and secondary education, confirm level
Place:  In the educational center, check other possibilities

 

 

Recommended resources for each topic:

http://www.scienceinschool.org/es/2011/issue19/chemiluminescence

http://www.scienceinschool.org/es/2010/issue14/chemlight

R.E. Galian, “Avances Recientes en el campo de la Nanotecnología”, DEBAT, La química del Laboratorio a la Vida, 2012, 88-91

Luminiscencia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM29cNOyvHc&t=96s

Cómo hacer Slime fluorescente: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYTcOFiNcMc

 

Social networks

@raquel_galian

@ToreroAWESOME

@ICMol_UV

@CdCienciaUV

@MednightGTS

 

Brief CV

Raquel Galian

Raquel E. Galian obtained her doctorate in Chemical Sciences at the National University of Córdoba (Argentina). Later, she carried out postdoctoral stays at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, the University of Ottawa (Canada) and the University of Valencia, where she acquired experience in processes of photosensitisation of aromatic ketones and functionalisation of photonic crystalline fibres with organic and inorganic fluorophores. In 2007, she obtained a Ramón y Cajal Research contract and is currently a permanent Researcher at the Institute of Molecular Science of the University of Valencia. Since then she has specialised in the preparation of nanophotoactive materials, with application as sensors of biological interest, photocatalysts and design of multifunctional hybrid systems. During her professional career, her research has always been related to the interaction of light with both organic molecules and nanomaterials and has been a source of inspiration for the development of various dissemination activities. Since 2009, she has been running the "Make your slime shine" workshop at the Open Days of the Science Park, Member's Day of the Museum of Arts and Sciences 2011, ExpoJove 2015, MedNight Valencia 2019-2022 and Valencia StartUp 2021; and luminescence workshop on the Day of the Girl and Woman in Science in 2017. She has given informative lectures related to Nanoscience and luminescent Nanomaterials at the Nau Gran, Pint of Science, Vermú de Nanociència and Nanoscience Festival 10alamenos9.

 

 

 

 

Alejandro Cortés Villena

The Chemistry graduate Alejandro Cortés Villena obtained his university degree at the University of Almeria in 2017 and later moved to Valencia to complete a master's degree in Sustainable Chemistry at the Polytechnic University of Valencia during the period 2017-2018. Currently, he is doing his doctoral studies at the Institute of Molecular Science of the University of Valencia assisted by an FPI grant to carry out his research studies related to "the synthesis and characterisation of photoactive semiconductor nanomaterials". During the first years of his theses, he has participated in various informative scientific events for both children and teenagers such as: Igualment Fest (2018 and 2019), Festival 10elevadoalamenos9 (2020), Expociència (2019), MedNight Valencia (2019-2022), Valencia StartUP Market and in schools bringing science closer to the public in the most didactic and fun way possible with simple and surprising experiments related to photochemistry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This activity is co-funded by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology and the Ministry of Science and Innovation.