# Green Analytical Chemistry--Recent Innovations
## 6 Alternative Energy in Green Chemistry
### Application of Photo-Induced Processes in Analysis  
Photo-induced processes have become increasingly important in analytical chemistry, offering innovative and sustainable solutions for various applications. These processes  
Figure 4: A comparative schematic of pectin extraction from jackruit rags using conventional heating reflux extraction (HRE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The figure outlines the key extraction steps, optimization parameters, and characterization techniques, highlighting the advantages of MAE over HRE in terms of efficiency, time, and structural properties [94]. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. utilize light energy, often in the form of ultraviolet (UV), visible, or near-infrared (NIR) radiation, to drive chemical reactions or enhance analytical techniques. Their environmentally friendly nature, which often eliminates the need for hazardous reagents and reduces waste, aligns closely with the principles of green chemistry [97]. One prominent application of photo-induced processes is in photocatalysis, where light activates a catalyst to drive a chemical reaction. Photocatalytic methods have been effectively employed for the detection and quantification of pollutants, such as heavy metals and organic contaminants, in environmental samples. Titanium dioxide (TiO\({}_{2}\)), a widely used photocatalyst, has shown remarkable efficiency in degrading complex pollutants under UV light, enabling both qualitative and quantitative analysis of environmental matrices [98]. Building on this, [PERSON] et al. [99] developed a novel Al-TiO\({}_{2}\)-ZIF-8-Ag composite sheet, which integrates the photocatalytic properties of TiO\({}_{2}\) with the enhanced adsorption capabilities of ZIF-8 and the SERS activity of Ag nanoparticles. This multifunctional material not only enables the sensitive detection of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) at concentrations as low as 1 \(\times\) 10\({}^{-9}\) M but also achieves efficient photocatalytic degradation of the pollutant under UV light. The synergistic interaction among the components improves charge separation and electron transfer, enhancing both detection sensitivity and catalytic efficiency, making it a promising platform for real-time environmental monitoring and remediation. Fluorescence spectroscopy [100] is another powerful example of a photo-induced process in analysis. Light-induced fluorescence has been extensively used for the detection of trace amounts of analytes, including biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, and toxins. Advances in fluorometric techniques, such as time-resolved fluorescence [101] and confocal fluorescence microscopy [102], have significantly enhanced sensitivity and selectivity, enabling detailed analysis of complex samples with minimal sample preparation. Photo-induced reactions also play a crucial role in chromatography, where photochemical derivatization enhances the detectability of certain compounds. For instance, UV-induced derivatization can convert non-fluorescent analytes into fluorescent derivatives, improving their detection in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC) systems. This approach minimizes the need for chemical reagents, reducing both cost and environmental impact [103]. Additionally, photo-electrochemical methods, which combine light and electrochemical processes, have emerged as a promising tool for real-time analysis. These methods utilize photoelectrodes to enhance the sensitivity of detection systems, particularly in applications such as biosensors and food quality analysis. They have proven highly effective for detecting trace analytes, such as glucose, pesticides, and pathogens, with excellent precision. The application of photo-induced processes extends to cutting-edge fields like nanomaterial synthesis and photothermal imaging, where light energy enables precise manipulation of materials and detection of minute signals.