A dual mode receptor appended with hydrazide moiety to track the presence of Pb2+ and HS− ions in real samples

•A dual detection site receptor PHN was used to monitor Pb2+ ions, and the resulting PHN + Pb2+ ensemble successfully detects HS− ions.•The receptor PHN and PHN + Pb2+ ensemble detects and quantifies even the nanomolar concentration of Pb2+ and HS− ions.•Both receptor and ensemble show excellent photophysical response over the targeted analytes.•The receptor and the ensemble detects the analytes on the basis of PET and ICT processes.•The receptor and ensemble were utilized to detect Pb2+ and HS− ions in real samples.