Exploration of advanced anode materials is a highly relevant research topic for next generation lithiumion batteries. Here, we report severe lattice distorted MoS2 nanosheets with a flower-like morphology prepared with PEG400 as additive, which acts not only as surfactant but importantly, also as reactant. Notably, in the absence of a carbon-related incorporation/decoration, it demonstrates superior electrochemical performance with a high reversible capacity, a good cycling stability, and an excellent rate capability, originated from the advantages of synthesized MoS2 including enlarged interlayer spacing, 1T-like metallic behavior, and coupling of Mo-O-C (and Mo-O) hetero-bonds. PEG-assisted synthesis is believed applicable to other anode materials with a layered structure for lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.