AbstractSulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone)s (SPPEK)s were synthesized by the modification of poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) (PPEK) with 98% concentrated sulfuric acid or 98% concentrated sulfuric acid and chlorosulfonic acid mixture at 80–100°C. The presence of sulfonic acid groups in SPPEKs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and the DSs were determined by Energy Dispersive X‐Ray (EDX). A blend membrane of No. 21 SPPEK and phosphotungstic acid (PWA) was prepared. The methanol permeabilities of SPPEK and blend membranes were about 20 times lower than that of Nafion117 at room temperature. The direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) test of 2 M methanol solution and air breathing showed that the blend membrane had a better performance than that of the Nafion117. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.