The adsorption of AuI2- complex onto acetate cellulose-polyaniline membranes was investigated. Kinetic experiments showed a rapid adsorption of this complex, which was attributed to an ion-exchange mechanism. Equilibrium adsorption results were represented by the Langmuir model, showing a correlation coefficient of 0.9852. Langmuir parameters K and Q(m) were found to be 0.2937 L mg(-1) and 1.2394 mg g(-1), respectively. Approximately 94% of AuI2- was adsorbed when a solid/liquid ratio of 40 g L-1 (grams of membrane/liter of solution) was used. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 113: 2670-2674, 2009