CrN nanopowders were synthesized by the aminolysis method by using the low temperature combustion synthesis (LCS) precursor derived from the mixed solution of chromium nitrate and alanine, or urea, or glycine, or citric acid. Effects of fuel type on the particle size and morphology of precursors and their corresponding aminolysis powders were studied in detail. It was found that the use of different types of fuel in solution, had a significant effect on the particle size and morphology of precursors and their corresponding aminolysis powders. Moreover, the optimized fuel type (glycine) yielded the precursor with high specific surface area and reactivity. The characteristics of aminolysis powders were found similar to those of their corresponding precursor. The CrN powders derived from glycine and synthesized at 750 degrees C for 6 h were comprised of well-distributed spherical particles, exhibiting high specific surface area (32.5 m(2)/g) with an average size of 30-50 nm. (C) 2018 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.