The mixture of NiCl2 and Na2CO3 was used to achieve a sustained and steady reaction of Al and H2O within a certain period of time. The effects of mixing ratio, mixture concentration and temperature on the reaction of Al and H2O were studied. The results indicate that two conditions are required to achieve the constant reaction rate. One condition is that the mixture should to be mixed at the volume ratio of 1:1. Another condition is the low concentration of mixture that is less than 1.00 wt %. In addition, the reaction rate can be increased by increasing the mixture concentration as long as the concentration is lower than 1.00 wt %. The hydrogen yield and the reaction rate are increased with increasing the reaction temperature. Furthermore, the reaction temperature also affects the steady reaction time. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.