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We modify the fundamental electronic properties of metallic (1T phase) nanosheets of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) through covalent chemical functionalization, and thereby directly influence the kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), surface energetics, and stability. Chemically exfoliated, metallic MoS₂ nanosheets are functionalized with organic phenyl rings containing electron donating or withdrawing groups. We find that MoS₂ functionalized with the most electron donating functional group (p-(CH₃CH₂)₂NPh-MoS₂) is the most efficient catalyst for HER in this series, with initial activity that is slightly worse compared to the pristine metallic phase of MoS₂. The p-(CH₃CH₂)₂NPh-MoS₂ is more stable than unfunctionalized metallic MoS₂ and outperforms unfunctionalized metallic MoS₂ for continuous H₂ evolution within 10 min under the same conditions. With regards to the entire studied series, the …