Substituted poly(p-phenylene) oligomer as a physical crosslinker in Nafion® membrane

► Associations of the substituted poly(p-phenylene) (POAc) nano-rods with Nafion. ► Effects of the above associations on the properties of the composite matrix. ► Enhancing proton transport in the composite matrix with low humidity contents. ► Nafion-POAc interface as a moisture less-dependent proton conducting channel.