Visible light: shaping chemical intelligence in proteinoid–ZnO interfaces†

We study the emergence of chemical intelligence in proteinoid–ZnO nanocomposites through their interaction with visible light. When these novel materials are exposed to light, they display electrical spiking behaviour that is similar to the action potentials of neurons. We examine the influence of various light conditions, such as wavelength, intensity, and duration, on the photo-response of these nanocomposites. The results indicate that higher light intensity and longer duration are associated with increased frequency and amplitude of voltage spikes. Furthermore, blue light is more effective than red light in this regard. This light-dependent behaviour indicates a form of chemical intelligence, in which the material learns and responds to external stimuli. The results of our research emphasise the potential of proteinoid–ZnO nanocomposites to develop bio-inspired, light-sensitive systems, which can lead to advancements in areas such as photocatalysis, unconventional computing, and adaptive materials. This study enhances the understanding of chemical intelligence and how it is demonstrated in synthetic nanomaterials.