Provided is a composition including a polyarylene ether polymer or copolymer comprising a zwitterionic, group. The zwitterionic group can derive from a zwitterionic precursor such as 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazine ethane sulfonic acid and comprises at least one atom of sulfur, phosphorus, or nitrogen. Embodiments also relate to an article, made from the composition, such as a membrane.