The semi-interpenetrating polymer network technique was applied in the preparation of anion exchange membranes for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Poly(vinyl alcohol) was chosen as the polymer matrix and quaternized polyethyleneimine was used as the cationic polyelectrolyte. To modify the polymer membranes for achieving desirable properties, 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl) ethane was used as a precursor to fabricate a set of organicinorganic hybrid membranes. The hybrid membranes were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The ionic conductivity, methanol permeability and stability under oxidative and alkaline conditions were measured to evaluate the applicability in DMFCs. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013