The NbSe2 nanoplates with hexagonal morphology have been successfully prepared by a facile, environmentally friendly reaction in closed reactor at moderate temperature. The thermal (750 degrees C) solid-state reaction between the ball-milled mixture of micro-sized Nb and Se yielded a high yield of NbSe2 nanoplates. The as-prepared products were characterized by XRD, EDS, and SEM. The results showed that the as-prepared products were hexagonal phase NbSe2 nanoplates with uniform sizes and the formation of NbSe2 nanoplates underwent a series of phase transition. On the basis of experimental results obtained at different temperatures, a reasonable reaction process and a formation mechanism were proposed. Moreover, the ball milling time played a crucial role in acquiring the homogeneous distribution nanoplates. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.