Inorganic/organic hybrid nanoparticles 3 were synthesized.
The pyrenesulfonamide-functionalized nanoparticles 3 were used for sensing Ga3+.
Ga3+ ions “switched on” the monomer emission of probe 3.
In situ prepared 3-Ga3+ complex detected I− ions selectively.
Probe 3 showed a LOD of 100 nM for Ga3+ in acetonitrile.