Hybrid ion exchangers (HIXs) are essentially inorganic or polymeric ion exchangers within which an external agent, namely, ion, solvent, nanocrystal, nanoprecipitate or a combination of the above have been deliberately introduced to develop unique properties, not otherwise attainable. Previously, hybrid ion exchangers were synthesized with paramagnetic properties and high sorption affinity toward arsenic oxyanions or oxyacids. Here we report both unique sorption behaviors and toxic metal sensing ability of a new class of polymeric/inorganic hybrid ion exchangers.