The Mg2Ni hydrogen storage samples were prepared by the laser sintering method. Before laser sintering, the Mg and Ni powders were premixed by pestle milling (sample PM) or ball milling (sample BM). The microstructures and hydrogen storage properties of the laser sintered Mg2Ni samples were investigated. The sintered samples contained Mg2Ni and small amount of MgNi2, Mg, Ni and MgO. Compared with the sample PM, the amounts Of Mg2Ni and MgNi2 reduced and the amounts of Mg and Ni increased in the sample BM. The laser sintered Mg2Ni samples can be activated easily at 573 K. The maximum hydrogen storage capacities of the PM and BM samples were 3.23 and 3.44 wt%, respectively. (c) 2007 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.