The present invention is directed toward benzimidazolium dye compounds of formula (I) as follows: wherein, n is an integer from 2-10, m is an integer from 2-10, X1 and X2 are independently a halogen, Q is H or a resin, and R is (aromatic)o-(linker)p-with the linker being saturated or unsaturated C1-C5 hydrocarbons, each aromatic independently being a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic, o being 1 or 2, and p being 0 or 1. Methods of making and using these compounds are also disclosed.