Synthesis and characterization of sulfonated poly(ether sulfone)s containing DHTPE for PEMFC

► We synthesize sulfonated poly(ethersulfone)s which form conjugated planar conformation. ► We control selectively sulfonation on phenyl ring of polymer side chain. ► Increasing sulfonic group increase proton conductivity. ► Polymer membrane of 50% sulfonation exhibits similar cell performance to Nafion.