Side-chain-type poly(arylene ether sulfone)s containing imidazolium groups on pendant phenyl rings (PAES-Im-xx) are prepared by sequential polycondensation, bromination and Menshutkin reactions. Novel anion exchange membranes based on these ionomers are obtained by casting solution and anion exchange with hydroxide ions. The resultant membranes display highly alkaline stability and their IEC values and conductivities don't have obvious decline in 4 M NaOH solution at 80 degrees C for 336 h. All these membranes show conductivities in the range of 25.3-35.9 mS/cm at 80 degrees C. The membranes possess low water uptake and good dimensional stability. For example, the water uptake and swelling ratio of PAES-Im-34 membrane (IEC = 1.92 mequiv/g) are just 22.3% and 7.9% at 80 degrees C, respectively. Moreover, the anion exchange membranes also have good thermal stability. This work could provide a potential strategy for the preparation of highly stable AEMs. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.