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Van de Graaff Generator

Van de Graaff Generator

Van de Graaff generators (or Van de Graaffs) are devices used to demonstrate high voltage due to static electricity that can also be used for research. Robert Van de Graaff first built one in 1931 (based on original suggestions by Lord Kelvin) for use in nuclear physics research.
Van de Graaff uses both smooth and pointed surfaces, conductors, and insulators to generate large static charges and, hence, large voltages. A substantial excess charge can be deposited on the sphere because it moves...

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Updated: Mar 14, 2026

Rapid Manufacturing of Thin Soft Pneumatic Actuators and Robots

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Published on: November 8, 2019

Electrostatically Driven Nanoballoon Actuator.

Hamid Reza Barzegar^1,2,3,4, Aiming Yan^1,3,4, Sinisa Coh^1,3

¹Department of Physics, University of California , Berkeley, California 94720, United States.

|October 6, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed an inflatable nanoballoon actuator using carbon nanotubes. This novel device can be reliably inflated and deflated using low voltages, showing potential for nanoscale engineering applications.

Keywords:

Nanoballoon actuator collapsed carbon nanotube nanomanipulator reinflation

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Area of Science:

Nanotechnology
Materials Science
Mechanical Engineering

Background:

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess unique mechanical and electrical properties.
Geometrical transitions in nanomaterials are key to novel actuator designs.
Electromechanical actuation offers precise control at the nanoscale.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate a novel inflatable nanoballoon actuator.
To investigate the actuation mechanism based on CNT geometrical transitions.
To evaluate the performance and reliability of the nanoballoon actuator.

Main Methods:

In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with a nanoelectromechanical manipulator.
Electrically charging a collapsed carbon nanotube to induce inflation.
Cyclic testing of the nanoballoon actuator at low control voltages.
Complementary theoretical analysis to identify critical actuation parameters.

Main Results:

Successful demonstration of an electrostatically driven nanoballoon actuator.
Reinflation of collapsed carbon nanotubes achieved via electrical charging.
Reliable cycling of the actuator with minimal wear or fatigue at few volts.
Identification of critical parameters governing nanotube nanoballoon actuation.

Conclusions:

Carbon nanotube nanoballoons represent a viable electrostatically driven actuator.
The demonstrated actuator is reliable and operates at low voltages.
This technology holds promise for applications in nanoscale manipulation and devices.