There is provided a coating composition comprising nonspherical nanoparticles; spherical nanoparticles; optionally hydrophilic groups and optional an surfactant; and a liquid medium comprising water and no greater than 30 wt % organic solvent, if present, based on the total weight of liquid medium, where at least a portion of the nonspherical nanoparticles or at least a portion of the spherical nanoparticles comprises functional groups attached to their surface through chemical bonds, wherein the functional groups comprise at least one group selected from the group consisting of epoxy group, amine group, hydroxyl, olefin, alkyne, (meth) acrylato, mercapto group, or combinations thereof. There is also provided a method for modifying a substrate surface using the coating composition and articles made therefrom.