In this work, MgH(2)-SiC-Ni was prepared by magneto-mechanical milling in hydrogen atmosphere. Scanning electron microscope mapping images showed a homogeneous dispersion of both Ni and SiC among MgH(2) particles. Based on the differential scanning calorimetry traces, the temperature of desorption is reduced by doping MgH(2) with SiC and Ni. Hydrogen absorption/desorption behaviour of the samples was investigated by Sievert's method at 300 degrees C, and the results showed that both capacity and kinetics were improved by adding SiC and Ni. The hydrogen desorption kinetic investigation indicated that for pure MgH(2), the rate-determining step is surface controlled and recombination, while for the MgH(2)-SiC-Ni sample it is controlled as described by the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami 3D model (JMA 3D). (C) 2009 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.