Patterns of Electrostatic Charge and Discharge in Contact Electrification

Episodic breakdown: The dynamics of contact electrification of a metal sphere rolling across an insulating plate are investigated. The data are consistent with contact charging that involves the transfer of ions (see picture), interrupted by episodic discharge events that involve the dielectric breakdown of air. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2008/z802062_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.