The disclosure relates to a method for making an actuator based on carbon nanotubes. The method includes: providing a carbon nanotube layer; depositing a vanadium oxide (VO.sub.x) layer on the carbon nanotube layer; and annealing the VO.sub.x layer in an oxygen atmosphere to form a vanadium dioxide layer (VO.sub.2) layer. Because the drastic reversible phase transition of VO.sub.2, the actuator has giant deformation amplitude and fast response.

The disclosure relates to a method for making an actuator based on carbon nanotubes. The method includes: providing a carbon nanotube layer; depositing a vanadium oxide (VO.sub.x) layer on the carbon nanotube layer; and annealing the VO.sub.x layer in an oxygen atmosphere to form a vanadium dioxide layer (VO.sub.2) layer. Because the drastic reversible phase transition of VO.sub.2, the actuator has giant deformation amplitude and fast response.

The present invention is turbine generator capable of integration into a bio-physiological or microfluidic system. The generator can convert biomechanical energy into electrical energy by using electromagnetic subsystems to transform the kinetic energy to electricity. These systems have the potential to convert hydraulic energy (such as flow of body fluid, blood flow, contraction of blood vessel, dynamic fluid in nature) into electric energy that may be sufficient for self-powering nano/micro devices and systems, such as artificial organs, valves, sensors, micro motors, and micro robots. The system incorporates a new turbine model having, notched blades; a rotor in levitation; and a special casing capable of integration into a bio-physiological or microfluidic system.