Two dimensional MoS 2 nanosheets decorated with inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) are emerging as novel MoS 2 -based nanohybrids for tuning the intrinsic attributes of both components for fundamental research and technological applications. However, the design and fabrication of MoS 2 -INP nanohybrids with a tailor-made structure and functions remain a significant challenge. Herein we report a general and controllable protocol for the one-step synthesis of various MoS 2 -INP nanohybrids by employing carboxylic MoS 2 (MoS 2 -COOH) nanosheets as a versatile support. The obtained MoS 2 -INP nanohybrids exhibit good dispersibility, high reactivity and excellent processability. The size, morphology and coverage density of INPs on the surface of MoS 2 -COOH can be readily controlled by tuning the feed ratio. Control experiments reveal that the presence of carboxylic functional groups plays a key role in controlling the structure and properties of the resulting MoS 2 -INP nanohybrids. In addition, ternary MoS 2 -based nanohybrids can also be readily prepared by this approach, as exemplified by the synthesis of MoS 2 -Fe 3 O 4 /Pt nanohybrids, which simultaneously exhibit excellent catalytic performance toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and favorable magnetic separation capability. Considering the simple fabrication process, high controllability of this protocol and excellent performance of the product, the present work opens up enormous opportunities for the large-scale production of diverse MoS 2 -based nanohybrids for many technological applications.