Symbiosis of 1 T and 2H phases in the basal plane of defective MoS2 nanoflowers for efficient hydrodesulfurization

•A facile one-pot solvothermal method for phase and defect engineering of MoS2.•The symbiosis of 1 T and 2H phases in the basal plane of MoS2.•The coexistence of S and Mo vacancies on the surface of MoS2.•High activity for DBT HDS and high selectivity of HYD pathway on the MoS2 flowers.•Well-maintained 1 T-2H phases and dual defects in harsh reaction environment.