Change in AC conduction mechanism together with conversion of submicron to nanoparticles in polyaniline and its poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) blends on heating-induced water elimination

► Greater AC conductivities in PANI-PVP blends than PANI. ► Ordered PANI chain arrangement and modification of π orbital energy levels by PVP. ► Profound influence of heating-induced water elimination on morphological (submicron to nano) and AC electrical properties. ► Change of small polaron tunneling to correlated barrier hopping conduction mechanism.