Magnesium carbon nanocomposites for hydrogen storage have been synthesized by ball milling with different amount of benzene, acting as a lubricant. Their microstructure has been studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, while the hydrogen desorption temperature has been tested by differential scanning calorimetry. Experimental results show that the microstructure after milling, the hydrogenation capabilities of the material and the reactivity with the air are related to the amount of additives. In particular the carbon to benzene ratio seems to play a major role. In fact, with an optimum value of carbon to benzene weight ratio of 1/6, the amount of carbon being 15 wt% of the milled mixture, a decomposition heat equal to 57% of pure MgH2 was measured, even after air manipulation of the sample.