Abstract: A method for introducing hydrogen into layered nanostructures. The method comprises: a) treating the layered nanostructures with an inert gas at a temperature of at least about 800.degree. C. for an effective amount time; and b) introducing hydrogen into said nanostructures by subjecting the nanostructures to flowing hydrogen at a pressure from about 1,000 psig to about 3,000 psig. The layered nanostructures are characterized as possessing: at least some crystallinity, interstices from about 0.335 nm to 0.67 nm, and sorption 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 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: An improved method of thermally cracking hydrocarbons to produce olefin wherein a gaseous stream containing hydrocarbons is passed through a heated metal tube in a pyrolysis furnace, the improvement comprising enhancing the olefin yield by exposing the gaseous stream to a barium silicate glass-ceramic as the gaseous stream passes through the tube.

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.

Abstract: High performance carbon filaments are provided which are characterized as having; (i) a surface area from about 50 m.sup.2 /g to 800 m.sup.2 /g, (ii) an electrical resistivity from about 0.3 .mu.ohm.m to 0.8 .mu.ohm.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 shape which is selected from the group consisting of branched, spiral, and helical. Also provided is a carbon fiber structure suitable for use in high performance composites which structure is characterized by a primary carbon fiber structure having carbon filaments grown therefrom. The carbon filaments are grown from the carbon fibers by use of an alloy catalyst comprised of a first metal selected from Group IB of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and one or more metals from a second group of metals selected from iron, nickel, cobalt, and zinc; and optionally a metal from a third group of metals selected from titanium, tungsten, tin, and tantalum.

Abstract: A carbon fiber structure suitable for use in high performance composites which structure is characterized by a primary carbon fiber structure having carbon filaments grown therefrom, wherein substantially all of the filaments are in the form selected from branched, spiral, helical, or a combination thereof. The carbon filaments are grown from the carbon fibers by use of an alloy catalyst comprises of a first metal selected from Group IB of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and one or more metals from a second group of metals selected from iron, nickel, cobalt, and zinc; and optionally a metal from a third group of metals selected from titanium, tungsten, tin and tantalum.