MoS2 nanosheets were successfully grown on the surfaces of N-doped carbon micro-tubes derived from willow catkins (MS@NCT) via a one-step hydrothermal method. Each carbon micro-tube is covered with many standing and thin MoS2 nanosheets (similar to 10 nm) to form hetero-nanostructures. The N-doped carbon micro-tubes improve the electrical conductivity of MS@NCT, and at the same time, act not only as substrates to disperse active MoS2 nanosheets but also as buffers to accommodate the large volume strain during cycling. The MS@NCT electrode exhibits good electrochemical performances, delivering a reversible capacity of 752 mAh g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1), even 568 mAh g(-1) at 500 mA g(-1) after 100 cycles. The prepared MS@NCT can be a promising anode material for lithium ion battery. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V.