The absorption of vanadium to Nafion (R) was investigated through ex-situ isotherm and conductivity measurements at 23 degrees C. The data show a maximum loss of ion exchange capacity (IEC) of 30% for all four oxidation states of vanadium. The affinity of vanadium for N115 was measured by back titration and atomic absorption (AA) and characterized by isotherms at 23 degrees C, and the affinity is highest for the divalent species and lowest for the pentavalent species in the following order: VO2+ (V5+) < VO2+ (V4+) < V3+ < V2+. Steric hindrance from the associated water complex may explain the lower absorption of vanadium compared to alkali metals. The conductivity for the VO2+ (minimum affinity)-exchanged membrane was 2-3x lower than the sodium-exchanged membrane at an approximate RH = 100%. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.