The synthesis and characterizations of new membranes with for proton exchange membrane fuel cell were carried out. Thermal and electrochemical stability of sulfonated polyethersulfone (S-PES) were studied. Sulfonated polyethersulfone grafted with octylamine (S-PESOS) membranes and binary S-PESOS and S-PES membranes were characterized from a physicochemical and electrochemical point of view. The effect of chemical cross-linking on the membrane properties was evaluated. The cross-linked membranes showed sufficient mechanical properties, ionic conductivities and chemical stability to be used as electrolyte in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The proton transport mechanisms, in this acid electrolyte, were deepened correlating thermal and electrochemical properties, thermodynamic measurements and fuel cells performances.
