Enhancement of hydration rate of LiOH by combining with mesoporous carbon for Low-temperature chemical heat storage

•Composites of LiOH and mesoporous carbon were prepared for heat storage below 373 K.•LiOH content in the composite increased linearly with LiOH aq. concentration.•Hydration rate was greatly enhanced by combining LiOH and mesoporous carbon.•Both amount of water hydrated and endothermic heat increased with LiOH content.•Most of the LiOH in the composite might react with water vapor within 10 min.