Although two-dimensional (2D) tin selenides are attracting intense attentions, studies on its phase transition are still relatively few. Here we report a facile way to control the phase growth of tin selenide flakes on mica and SiO2/Si by only adjusting nominal Sn: Se ratio, which refers to the amount of loaded SnO2 and Se precursors. High normal Sn: Se ratio induced SnSe flakes, conversely SnSe2 flakes formed. It could be used as a practical guide to selectively synthesize pure phase of single crystalline 2D layered chalco-genide materials similar to tin selenides. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.