The hydrolysis of aluminum powder can be efficiently improved by milling with hydrides, among which LiH performs the best. Both sample composition and milling time affect the hydrolysis of Al-LiH mixture. Reaction temperature has a great impact on improving the hydrolysis properties. The reactions taken place in the solution are studied and the formation of the LiAl2(OH)(7) hydrate is found to be important in enhancing the corrosion of Al. The Al-30 mol% LiH milled for 3 h sample reaches a yield of 96.3%, i.e. 1442.4 ml H-2 g(-1) (composite) within 1 h at 75 degrees C. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.