It was clear based on their observations that the negatively charged silica particles in water-based solutions didn't push apart as they would in an ideal, empty space. Far from it – they actually drew together.

In what the researchers refer to as an "electrosolvation force", the structure of the solution and its own charged components interact with the surfaces of suspended particles in a way that creates a net attractive force, drawing the silica into clusters in spite of their repulsion.

The findings could have significant implications in just about any area of science where the movements of charged particles in a solution is important, potentially informing advances in anything from pharmaceutical development to understanding diseases, and designing new kinds of nanotechnology.