Herein we report the development of a new series of surface bound anion sensors exploiting the triazolium motif capable of binding anions through C–H⋯anion interactions. The use of high resolution magic angle spinning ¹H NMR and fluorescence techniques allows the direct comparison of the anion binding properties of these receptors in solution versus those tethered to polymer resins. Differences in the chemical reactivity and anion binding properties of the resulting receptors were observed; highlighting the crucial role such techniques play as we move from solution towards surface bound receptors.