“…32 Moreover, to obtain monodisperse encapsulated SiO 2 -PNCs, most of the SiO 2 -PNCs were synthesized and dispersed in non-polar solvents (e.g., hexane, toluene). 33,34 The incompatibility of these non-polar solvents with water limits the ability of SiO 2 -PNCs to sense aqueous phase substances. The inert layers also hinder the anion diffusion characteristics of PNCs, resulting in a reduction or even complete loss of anion-exchange capacity.…”