2. UV-Vis Spectroscopy
• What is UV-Vis Spectroscopy?
UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-
Vis) is an analytical technique
that examines the interaction
of ultraviolet (200–400 nm)
and visible light (400–800 nm)
with matter.
• It measures the amount of
light absorbed or reflected by
a sample, providing insights
into its composition and
concentration.
• This method is widely used
due to its simplicity, cost-
effectiveness, and versatility
3. • Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis)
Spectrophotometer A UV-Vis
spectrophotometer is a device
designed to analyze materials such as
liquids, films, powders, and solids. It
works by passing light through a
sample and measuring the amount
absorbed or transmitted.
• • Wavelength Range: UV-Vis
spectrophotometers operate within
200–800 nm, covering both ultraviolet
and visible light regions.
• • Light Sources: These
instruments use specific light sources:
• Deuterium Lamp: Covers the UV range.
• Tungsten-Halogen Lamp: Extends into
the visible spectrum.
• Both lamps ensure full coverage of the
wavelength range.
4. • Theory Behind UV-Vis Spectroscopy UV-Vis
spectroscopy relies on the interaction of light with
a sample. When light interacts with the electron
cloud in a chromophore (light-absorbing part of a
molecule), it excites electrons from a lower-energy
state to a higher-energy state. This process results
in an absorption spectrum that can be analyzed to
identify or quantify substances.
• Key points:
• Absorption Spectrum: Represents how much light a
sample absorbs at specific wavelengths.
• Beer’s Law: Relates absorbance to concentration,
enabling quantitative measurements.
• Chromophore Analysis: Chromophores absorb
specific wavelengths, providing a fingerprint for
identification.
5. • Applications of UV-Vis Spectroscopy UV-Vis spectroscopy is a versatile tool
with applications spanning various fields:
• 1. Quantitative Analysis
• Used to measure concentrations of analytes in solutions, such as drugs, food
additives, and environmental samples.
• Integrated with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Ultra-
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) for enhanced detection.
• 2. Research and Development
• Analyzes trace metal content, e.g., manganese in steel. Metals are reacted to
form measurable complexes, like manganate (VII).
• Identifies optical properties of materials such as thin films and nanoparticles.
• 3. Quality Control
• Ensures consistency in manufacturing processes by verifying product
composition.
• Common in pharmaceutical and industrial laboratories.
• 4. Educational and Fundamental Studies
• Demonstrates principles like Beer’s Law and molecular absorption in
academic settings.
• 5. Environmental and Regulatory Monitoring
• Measures pollutants and water quality indicators, such as nitrate or
phosphate levels.
6. • Advantages of UV-Vis Spectroscopy
• Non-Destructive: Samples remain intact during
analysis.Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of
organic and inorganic compounds.
• Cost-Effective: Affordable compared to other
spectroscopic methods.
• Fast and Accurate: Provides rapid results with
high precision.
• UV-visible spectroscopy is a cornerstone
analytical technique, invaluable in research,
industry, and academia because it provides quick
and reliable insights into materials' chemical and
physical properties.
9. Fluorescence
Spectroscopy
• Introduction: Fluorescence
spectroscopy, also known as
fluorometry or spectrofluorimetry,
is a branch of electromagnetic
spectroscopy used to analyze
fluorescence emitted by a sample.
It employs ultraviolet (UV) light to
excite electrons in molecules,
causing them to emit light of lower
energy, typically in the visible
spectrum. A complementary
method to fluorescence
spectroscopy is absorption
spectroscopy. The devices used for
fluorescence measurement are
referred to as fluorometers or
fluorimeters
10. • Principles of Fluorescence
Spectroscopy
• Molecules exhibit various energy
states, classified as electronic and
vibrational levels. Fluorescence
spectroscopy primarily focuses on the
interaction of light with these states.
• 1. Photon Absorption: Molecules
absorb photons, causing their
electrons to transition from a ground
state to an excited state.
• 2. Vibrational Relaxation:
Collisions with surrounding molecules
lead to a loss of vibrational energy,
settling the molecule into the lowest
vibrational state of the excited
electronic level.
• 3. Photon Emission: The
molecule returns to its ground state,
emitting photons with energies
corresponding to different vibrational
levels.
11. • Key Spectra
• • Emission
Spectrum: Measured by
holding the excitation
wavelength constant
while recording the
intensity of
fluorescence across
various wavelengths.
• • Excitation
Spectrum: Obtained by
varying the excitation
wavelength while
recording the total
emitted fluorescence at
a fixed wavelength.
12. • Instrumentation
• 1. Types of Instruments:
• Filter Fluorometers: Use filters to isolate excitation and
emission light.
• Monochromators: Allow precise selection of
wavelengths for excitation and emission, enhancing
versatility.
• 2. Detectors:
• Single-Channel Detectors: Measure one wavelength at
a time.
• Multi-Channel Detectors: Record intensities at all
wavelengths simultaneously, eliminating the need for
monochromators.
• 3. Light Sources:
• Continuous light sources, like xenon or mercury lamps,
are used for steady excitation across a broad spectrum.
17. • Data Analysis
• At low concentrations, fluorescence intensity is directly proportional to the
concentration of the fluorophore. However, achieving accurate spectra requires
addressing several factors:
• 1. Instrument-Related Factors:
• Lamp Intensity Variability: Light source intensity can fluctuate over time.
• Monochromator and Filter Efficiency: Transmission efficiency may vary with
wavelength.
• Detector Quantum Efficiency: The proportion of photons detected depends on the
detector's specifications and conditions.
• 2. Sample-Related Factors:
• Photodecomposition: Fluorophores may degrade upon prolonged exposure to
excitation light.
• Scattering:
• Rayleigh Scattering: Light scattered at the same wavelength as the incident light.
•  Raman Scattering: Scattered light shifts to longer wavelengths due to
molecular interactions.
• Inner Filter Effects:
•  Reabsorption: Emitted photons are reabsorbed by other molecules,
distorting the spectrum.
•  High Concentration Effects: Uneven distribution of excitation light within the
sample can reduce fluorescence intensity.
18. • Applications of Fluorescence Spectroscopy
• 1. Biochemical and Medical Research:
• Detection and quantification of biomolecules like
proteins, DNA, and RNA.
• Differentiation of malignant and benign tumors,
including skin cancer studies.
• 2. Chemical Analysis:
• Analysis of organic compounds and trace elements in
various solutions.
• 3. Environmental Studies:
• Monitoring pollutants and studying complex organic
interactions in ecosystems.
• 4. Pharmaceutical Industry:
• Characterization of drug formulations and active
compounds.
19. • Fluorescence spectroscopy is a
vital tool in research and
industry, offering a sensitive,
non-destructive method for
analyzing complex molecular
interactions and properties.
While challenges such as
instrument variability and inner
filter effects exist,
advancements in
instrumentation and analytical
techniques continue to enhance
its precision and application
scope.