The present invention is directed to ion-conducting, nitrile containing sulfonated polymeric materials formed by the direct polymerization of sulfonated monomers and aromatic nitrile monomers. These nitrile containing sulfonated polymers may be used to form membranes that have application in fuel cell and ion exchange technologies. In particular, the membranes may be used in hydrogen, direct methanol, reformate, and other direct oxidation fuel cells.