MoS2 has drawn significant attention in the field of electricity, energy and catalysis due to their unique two-dimensional "sandwiched" layered structure. MoS2 mainly exists in the form of 1T and 2H phases because the different coordination modes of Mo with S atoms. In general, 1T-MoS2 has a larger interlayer spacing and more catalytically active sites, and shows better performance than 2H-MoS2 in many fields. Via controlling the lateral displacement of the S-plane and as well as the electron filling state of the 3d orbital of Mo, the 1T-MoS2 could be synthesized by the directional regulation of 2H-MoS2. In view of this, the research progress of the preparation of 1T-MoS2 from 2H-MoS2 by directly regulating is reviewed, and the methods and mechanisms involved in the main influencing factors in the regulation process are described in detail. At the same time, the application of 1T-MoS2 in the fields of hydrogen evolution, battery, photo and thermal catalysis is summarized, which can lay a certain foundation for the directional synthesis and application of 1T-MoS2. In addition, the prospects for the practical application of 1T-MoS2 in the future are also prospected.