Abstract: The present invention relates to the storage of hydrogen in layered nanostructures possessing: at least some crystallinity, interstices from about 0.335 nm to 0.67 nm, and chemisorption properties with respect to hydrogen at those surfaces of the nanostructure which define the interstices. Preferred layered nanostructures are carbon nanostructures such as those selected from carbon nanotubes, carbon fibrils, carbon nanoshells, and carbon nanofibers. Hydrogen is chemisorbed into the interstices of the nanostructures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the separation of one or more components from a multi-component gaseous stream. The component(s) being separated are relatively small molecular diameter gas components. They are separated by sorption techniques wherein the sorbent is a unique class of layered nanostructure materials, such as carbon nanofibers, characterized as having; (i) a surface area from about 0.2 to 3,000 m.sup.2 /g as determined by N.sub.2 adsorption at -196.degree. C., (ii) a crystallinity from about 5% to about 100%, and (iii) interstices from about 0.335 nm to about 0.67 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel high performance composite structures comprised of carbon filaments in a matrix selected from the group consisting of polymeric materials, carbon, ceramic materials, and metals. The carbon filaments have a relatively high surface area, electrical resistivity, and crystallinity. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing said carbon filaments by use of an unsupported catalyst.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminants, particularly organic and metal contaminants, from aqueous and gaseous streams by contacting a contaminated stream with graphitic carbon filaments (nanofibers) characterized as having; (i) a surface area from about 50 to 800 m.sup.2 /g, (ii) an electrical resistivity from about 0.3 .mu.ohm.multidot.m to 0.8 .mu.ohm.multidot.m, (iii) a crystallinity from about 5% to about 100%, (iv) a length from about 1 .mu.m to about 100 .mu.m; and (v) a distance from about 0.335 nm to about 0.700 nm between graphite platelets.