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Citation: Leqin He, Yunhan Qin, Jing Wang, Yukuan Zhang, Zhengping Dong, Shuai Han. Tea’s Colorful Chemistry: A Popular Science Experiment Featuring Tea Polyphenols[J]. University Chemistry, ;2026, 41(2): 255-262. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202502068 shu

Tea’s Colorful Chemistry: A Popular Science Experiment Featuring Tea Polyphenols

1.
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, Hebei Province, China;
2.
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China;
3.
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China

Corresponding author: Shuai Han, hansh2015HUE@163.com
Received Date: 8 February 2025
Revised Date: 1 April 2025

Tea polyphenols, the primary polyphenolic compounds in tea, are responsible for its color, aroma, and health benefits. Using common tea products, we developed two innovative experiments based on tea polyphenols’ antioxidant properties and metal ion complexation: (1) “Colorful Tea Chemistry” for elementary students demonstrates antioxidant effects through color changes while introducing Chinese tea varieties and culture; (2) “Poetic Chemistry” for secondary/college students with chemistry background showcases metal ion reactions, extraction methods, and industrial applications to encourage scientific innovation. These home-friendly experiments combine safety and engagement while integrating traditional culture to enhance both scientific and cultural literacy.
- Tea culture,
- Tea polyphenols,
- Natural products,
- Popular science experiment,
- Electrochemistry
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