This invention concerns a method for forming ionomers by treatment with ammonium carbonate of copolymers having a substantially fluorinated, but not perfluorinated, polyethylene backbone having pendant groups of fluoroalkoxy sulfonyl fluoride. Ionomers derived therefrom by ion exchange are useful in electrochemical applications such as batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis cells, ion exchange membranes, sensors, electrochemical capacitors, and modified electrodes.