The synthesis of polyphenylenes containing benzophenone moiety (PPBP), their functionalization with sulfonic acid groups, and the measurement of apposite parameters for PEMs are described. The new monomer, 2,5-dibenzophenyl-1,4-dichlorobenzene, was prepared form 2,5-dicarbonylchloride-1,6-dichlorobenzene and benzene with AlCl₃. The polymers were prepared by Ni-catalyzed carbon-carbon coupling reaction with 2,5-dibenzophenyl-1,4-dichlorobenzene and 1,4-dichlorobenzene, and followed by sulfonation reaction with fuming sulfuric acid. These polymers have all carbon-carbon linkages without any ether linkage on the polymer backbone, which was not attacked by nucleophiles (H₂O, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxide anion and radical), and sulfuric acid groups were selectively attached to the side phenyl rings of the PPBP unit. A series of membranes was studied by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, and proton conductivity. The membranes’ degradation was tested with Fenton reagent and compared with normal sulfonated poly(ether sulfone)s and Nafion.