Pure hydrogen can be stored and supplied directly to polymer electrolyte fuel cell by the redox of iron oxide: Fe(3)O(4) + 4H(2) -> 3Fe + 4H(2)O and 4H(2)O + 3Fe -> Fe(3)O(4) + 4H(2). Four bimetal-modified samples were prepared by impregnation. The hydrogen storage properties of the samples were investigated. The result shows that the Fe(2)O(3)-Mo-Al sample presented the most excellent catalytic activity and cyclic stability. H(2) forming temperature and H2 forming rate could be surprisingly decreased and enhanced, respectively. The average H2 forming temperature at the rate of 250 mu mol min(-1).Fe-g(-1) for Fe(2)O(3)-Mo-Al in the first 4 cycles could be decreased from 469 degrees C before the addition of Mo-Al to 273 degrees C after the addition of Mo-Al. The reason for it may be that the Mo-Al additive in the sample can prevent from the sintering of the particles and accelerate the H(2)O decomposition due to Mo taking part in the redox reaction. The average storage capacity of Fe(2)O(3)-Mo-Al was up to 4.68 wt%. (C) 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.