KUAS Daniel Ayala, Master’s Student Research Featured as Cover Art in Research Journal
May 19, 2025
Engineering
Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS) proudly announces the significant recognition of its Master’s student, Daniel Saldivar Ayala. A second-year student at the Graduate School of Engineering, Daniel’s groundbreaking research has been honored with the prestigious cover art feature in the esteemed journal MRS Advances.
His compelling article, titled “Synthesis of SiO₂ Nanoparticles Using the Stöber Method and Their Self-Assembly into Liquid Photonic Crystals for Surface Stress Sensing Applications,” co-authored with Professor Takahiro Namazu of the Faculty of Engineering, is prominently displayed on the front of Volume 10, Issue 3 of the publication.
MRS Advances, a distinguished journal from the Materials Research Society (MRS), is renowned for highlighting cutting-edge discoveries in the field through concise and impactful reports. This prominent recognition underscores the significance and novelty inherent in Daniel’s work within the broader materials science community. The selection of his research for the cover art not only celebrates its scientific merit but also its compelling visual representation.
Unveiling Novel Mechano-chromic Materials
The featured article delves into the meticulous fabrication process of innovative mechano-chromic materials. It meticulously details the chemical synthesis of silica nanoparticles (SiO₂), which form the fundamental building blocks of these advanced materials. Furthermore, the paper elucidates the fascinating process by which these nanoparticles undergo self-assembly to form functional liquid photonic crystals. These intricate structures exhibit unique optical properties, positioning them as promising candidates for sophisticated surface stress sensing applications.
The captivating cover image itself is a striking scanning electron microscope (SEM) image, visually showcasing the beautiful order achieved in the self-assembled silica nanoparticles. The image reveals a well-defined face-centered cubic structure, a testament to the precise self-organization process, which ultimately dictates the reflection of specific wavelengths of light. This powerful visual perfectly encapsulates the core findings and the elegance of the research.
A Journey of Discovery at KUAS’s Nanomechatronics Laboratory
This remarkable achievement shines a spotlight on the exciting materials development currently underway at the Nanomechatronics Laboratory of Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS). Daniel’s success stands as a testament to the innovative research environment fostered at KUAS and the dedicated guidance provided by Professor Namazu.
Daniel’s Perspective: Perseverance and Recognition
Daniel Saldivar Ayala
2nd. Year Master’student in the Faculty of Engineering
“It is an honor to see the conclusion of a work that started almost a year ago at the International Material Research Congress, where I had the opportunity to share the results of my research. When I came to KUAS, managing the electron microscope to get a clean picture of my samples was quite a challenge, but the pictures obtained were improving after some practice and study. Seeing one of these pictures as the cover of a Journal focused on material science encourages me to continue putting effort into my experimental skills.”
His insightful words beautifully articulate the dedication and perseverance that are integral to scientific research, alongside the profound satisfaction of seeing one’s hard work acknowledged by the wider scientific community. The challenges he overcame in mastering the electron microscope and the subsequent enhancement in image quality underscore Daniel’s commitment to his research endeavors.
Read the Full Article
We invite you to delve deeper into this exciting research and explore the potential of these novel materials. The full article is available in MRS Advances, Volume 10, Issue 3. Discover the innovative work being conducted at the Nanomechatronics Laboratory of KUAS and witness the forefront of materials science.
Read full article here
JSME Best Presentation Award article here
An interview with Daniel here
(Hiroshi Kawakami, Faculty of Engineering)
(Revisioned by Giovanni Perez, International Office)