Three independent 1D metal–organic nanotubes Ag<b>L</b><sub>2</sub>X<sub>2</sub> [X = PF<sub>6</sub><sup>–</sup> (<b>1</b>), ClO<sub>4</sub><sup>–</sup> (<b>2</b>), and
SbF<sub>6</sub><sup>–</sup> (<b>3</b>)] with anion exchange,
separation, and anion-responsive photoluminescence are reported.