Conducting fine powder was obtained in the Zn-In-O system by combustion of the gel prepared from an aqueous solution of mixed zinc and indium nitrates in the presence of glycine. Glycine worked as a fuel as well as a gelling agent in the combustion under the strong oxidizing power of the nitrates. In spite of the low furnace temperature of 350 degreesC, the product was (ZnO)(3)In2O3 which has been obtained above 1260 degreesC in a solid state reaction of a mixture of ZnO and In2O3. The combustion synthesis led to an aggregated fine powder of hexagonal platelets of about 40 nm in diameter. Its compacted mass showed an electrical resistivity of about 700 Omega cm. The agglomeration was improved by dispersing the fine powder in an acetic acid aqueous solution. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.