In this study for the first time, BaZrO3 nanoparticles as mixed metal oxides, with provision of strong acid sites and good hydrophilic nature were used for the preparation of organic-inorganic proton exchange membranes. Poly(vinyl alcohol)-BarO(3) (PB) and poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-BaZrO3 (PPB) nanocomposite membranes have been prepared. PPB nanocomposite membranes containing 1 wt.% of BaZrO3 nanoparticles demonstrated high proton conductivity (6.01 x 10(-2) S/cm) at 70 degrees C. The highest peak power density of 28.98 mW/cm(2) at E-p,E-max of 0.14 V with a peak current density (i(p,max)) of 201 mA/cm(2) was achieved for the PEMFC which included PPB nanocomposite membranes at 70 degrees C. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.