The decomposition reaction of LiBH4 with and without F anion doping was investigated by first-principles calculations. According to the calculation results, doping LiBH4 with F anion may generate F lattice substitution in both the hydrogenated (LiBH4) and dehydrogenated (LiH) states of the hydride, and accordingly result in a favorable thermodynamics modification, even to a level suitable for onboard H-storage application. Experimentally evidencing these theoretical predictions may pave a new way to pursue improved hydrogen storage properties of LiBH4 and other related complex hydrides. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.