Concentrated sulfonated poly (ether sulfone)s as proton exchange membranes

► A series of new concentrated sulfonated poly (ether sulfone)s were synthesized. ► These polymers own lower activation energy (Ea) of conductivity compared to Nafion. ► The membrane with IEC = 1.66 mequiv g−1 exhibits higher conductivity than Nafion. ► These membranes show considerable water management and proton conductivity.