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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.

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