A common issue with anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is carbon dioxide contamination which causes a conversion from the hydroxide form to a mixed carbonate/bicarbonate form. In the mixed ionic form the membrane suffers from lower conductivity due to the larger and heavier ions having a lower mobility. The purpose of this study is to develop a theoretical model of the transient ion exchange process and elucidate the nature of the conversion of the AEM from a hydroxide form to a carbonate/bicarbonate form. Experimental data available from the literature providing the anion concentrations versus time are used for comparison. The prevalent mechanisms are discussed and the governing equations are cast in a dimensionless form. Extensions are then made to conductivity predictions. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.