Effects of BaRuO3 addition on hydrogen desorption in MgH2

► Interaction of BaRuO3 with hydrogen studied. ► BaRuO3 is able to release hydrogen after absorption. ► A distorted rhomohedral phase is formed in BaRuO3 after hydrogen absorption. ► A mixture of BaRuO3 with MgH2 is able to desorb hydrogen much faster than the parent materials. The interaction of hydrogen with the oxide additive is a crucial aspect for improving the hydrogen desorption rate.