Nanostructured anion exchange membranes based on poly(arylene piperidinium) with bis-cation strings for diffusion dialysis in acid recovery

•The prepared AEMs demonstrated excellent microphase separation structures and were used for acid recovery by diffusion dialysis.•The ion transport channels can be controlled by regulating the content of ionic groups within the AEM.•These membranes displayed superior ionic conductivity, thermal stability and mechanical properties.•Under ambient conditions, AEMs exhibited significant acid fluxes UH+ (10 × 10-3 − 65 × 10-3 m/h) and separation factor (16–25).