Evolution of structure and interaction during aggregation of silica nanoparticles in aqueous electrolyte solution

► Evolution of structure and interaction during aggregation of silica nanoparticles in aqueous electrolyte solution. ► Observation of local crowding and clustering of nanoparticles. ► Tuning of aggregation by varying the nanoparticle size and counterions (size and valency). ► Interpretation of nanoparticle aggregation behavior by DLVO theory.