In order to understand the influence of defect zones on desorption behavior of MgH2, Xe 120 keV ion irradiation of this material has been performed. DSC, SEM measurements, and SRIM calculations have been used to characterize induced modifications and its influence on the hydrogen desorption behavior of MgH2. We have demonstrated that the near-surface area of MgH2 plays the crucial role in hydrogen desorption kinetics. DSC analysis provides clear picture of vacancies influence on H diffusion and desorption in MgH2, and points out that there is possibility to control the thermodynamic parameters by controlled ion bombardment. (C) 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.