Construction of ion conducting channels by embedding hydrophilic oligomers in piperidine functionalized poly(2, 6-dimethyl-1, 4-phenylene oxide) membranes

•Blending hydrophilic oligomers for improved properties of the polymer membranes.•Formation of the ion transport channels with reasonable mechanical and dimensional stabilities.•Superior hydroxide conductivity and tolerance to alkali of the blended membranes.•The membrane-based single fuel cell shows a peak power density of 328 mW cm−2.