Sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (sPAES) is synthesized and characterized for the application to the electrode binder for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The effect of sPAES binder in the electrode on the cell performance is studied. The cell based on sPAES binder showed a good adhesion to the sPAES membrane, while Nafion binder is delaminated from the sPAES membrane after supplying the fuel for a prolonged time. The sPAES binder for electrode is found to be more efficient in achieving long-term stability of the cell performance than the conventional Nafion binder. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.