The high dehydrogenation temperature is still the impediment for the practical application of magnesium-based hydride (MgH2) as a potential hydrogen storage medium. In order to improve the hydrogen desorption properties of MgH2, the graphite and NiF2 are selected as additives, and the MgH2–graphite and MgH2–graphite–NiF2 composites are prepared by high-energy ball milling. Using experimental X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry characterizations and first-principle calculations, the effects and m...