This work focuses on improving the kinetics of de/hydrogenation of nanoconfined MgH2 by using functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon scaffolds (N doped or Ni decorated). The microstructure characterization demonstrates that xNi-CMK-3 (x = 1 and 5 wt%) and N-CMK-3 are suitable as scaffolds to load nano MgH2. Interestingly, the thermal analysis (TPD-MS measurement) and hydrogen absorption/desorption isotherms reveal that Ni-decorating or N-doping into CMK-3 structure can significantly promote both the hydrogen storage capacity and kinetics. This work suggests that the strategy of combining metal/non-metal doping and nano-confinement is promising, which may open a new avenue for enhancing the hydrogen sorption performance of MgH2 under mild operational conditions. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.