A series of novel cross linked anion exchange membranes (AEMs) CPAES-Qs AEMs containing aromatic side-chain pendant quaternary ammonium groups were fabricated via a multi-step process including bromination, heating cross-linking, quatemization, and alkalization reaction. A combination of the sidechain quaternary ammonium groups and the three dimensional cross-linked structures has modified the aggregate structures of the cross-linked AEMs and greatly improved their comprehensive properties. The three dimensional cross-linked structures endow CPAES-Qs AEMs with enhanced dimensional stability, improved stabilities of ion transport channels and mechanical properties, and excellent chemical stabilities. The side-chain quaternary ammonium groups provide good performance of ion transport channels for CPAES-Qs AEMs, which have conductivities at 80 degrees C ranging from 42.7 to 57.5 mS cm(-1) and Ea values varying from 9.9 to 10.71 kJ mol(-1). Especially, CPAES-Q-90 has the best conductivity and excellent chemical stability simultaneously. Its decreasing amplitude in conductivity after being treated in 1 M NaOH solution at 60 degrees C for 28 days is 6% of that of the original membrane. These results indicate that the CPAES-Qs ionomers have the distinction of being practical anion exchange membranes of AEMECs. (C) 2014 Elsevier By. All rights reserved.