In this study, a single-step combustion process for the synthesis 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D micro and nanostructures of AIN was developed. The structures were grown by combustion of Al-FkAlF(3) (or ZnF2)+mNH(4)Cl reaction mixture under 4.0 MPa nitrogen atmosphere. Based on experimental data, the growth conditions, morphology, and composition, optical, and thermal properties of AIN micro and nanostructures were determined. The formation of structures was associated with the combustion temperature, liquid and gas phase reactions, and the type of additives used in the experiments. The new insight, we gleaned from this study may help in the selective growth of AIN micro and nanostructures of different morphology, enhancing their functionality. (C) 2017 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.