AbstractA water‐soluble sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) sizing agent is prepared and applied to improve the interfacial adhesion of carbon fiber/poly (ether ether ketone) (CF/PEEK) composites. The surface morphology, surface roughness, surface chemistries, and surface free energy of SPEEK sized CF are obtained to understand the sizing effect. The results reveal the increased surface free energy and surface roughness of SPEEK sized CF. In addition, a chemical reaction between the CF surface and sizing layer is proved based on the results of XPS, IR, and 1H NMR. The interfacial structure of CF/PEEK composites is further ascertained by AFM and the appearance of gradient interface could be verified for SPEEK sized CF/PEEK composites. The formation of the gradient interface is due to the chemical reaction between the CF and sizing agent as well as the improved compatibility between the sized CF and matrix, which benefits the improvement of interfacial adhesion.