Ion-exchange membranes with carboxylic acid-metal complexes were prepared by radiation-induced grafting of acrylic acid onto polyethylene (PE) film and by its subsequent complexation with Cu²^+ and Cd²^+. The grafted films rapidly adsorbed Cu²^+ and Cd²^+ in high efficiency. The carboxylic groups acid on AAc-grafted PE film acted as a chelating site for the transition metal ions. Complex formation of metal ions with carboxylic acid group on PE film were investigated by IR and x-ray photoelectrons spectroscopy (XPS). Electrochemical properties such as electrical resistance and transport number of PE membranes with carboxylic acid-metal complexes were also investigated. The transport number of K＾+ of ion-exchange membranes with carboxylic acid-metal complex were determined.