Porous lignosulfonate (LS) membranes were prepared and considered for their potential application in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). Membranes were characterized by impedance spectrometry and water uptake measurement. Both their ion exchange capacity (IEC) and water uptake capacity affected porous membrane conductivity. Membrane conductivities were in the range 5-12 mS/cm at 80 degrees C. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) based on lignosulfonate membranes were also prepared and characterized in a single cell in order to determine whether they can be used in a DMFC. The current density at 300 mV was of 42 mA/cm(2) at 80 degrees C. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.