A review is presented of selected precursor systems leading to bulk powders-often in the nanosize range-made mostly of Group III(13)-V(15) elements (pnictides, i.e., nitrides, phosphides, and arsenides). Both single-source precursor and precursor solution mixture approaches are shown to derive a range of unique composites and doped nanopowders for potential applications in modem electronics, ceramics, and gas adsorption/storage/separation processes. Especially, a range of GaN-based materials that include the composites of GaN/AIN and GaN/TiN as well as of Mn-doped GaN (GaMnN) can be produced. Prospects for the utilization of such powders are posed by, among others, underlining a need for further powder processing by compacting/sintering methods toward mechanically stable and manageable pellets, slides, and other shapes. The compacted material forms of the powders could be considered as relatively inexpensive and valuable precursor materials for a range of applications such as GaN and GaN-modified alternative substrates for heterostructures in optoelectronics and spintronics. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.