Sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) (SPAEK) fuel cell membranes were prepared in a cross-linked structure to enhance their dimensional and mechanical stability. Sulfonated mesoporous benzene-silica (SMBS) hygroscopic conductors were embedded in the membranes to lessen their dehydration in the low humid environment. Synthesis of the crosslinked SPAEK (CSPAEK) and its precursor was confirmed using H-1 NMR spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy. The effects of sulfonation degree (SD) and hygroscopic conductors on the membranes properties such as proton conductivity, methanol crossover, and thermal and mechanical stability were analyzed. The prepared CSPAEK membranes were thermally stable up to 250 degrees C without any chemical degradation. While the CSPAEK membranes containing hygroscopic proton conductors exhibited superior conductivity to that of Nafion (R) 117, those with a sulfonation percent of less than 20% showed lower methanol permeability. Although the water uptake of the composite membranes was higher than that of the pristine membranes, no mechanical failure was observed. Copyright (C) 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.