Voltage multiplier circuit not working
The capacitor values are much too low for the AC frequency given by a standard 120 VAC source (either 50 Hz or 60 Hz). Consider the series impedance for each would be in the MegOhms.  The circuit works by charging the capacitors from the rectified AC source in parallel and discharging them as a DC source (with ripple) in series. Capacitance adds in parallel to a net larger value but reduces in series (as the inverse of the sum of inverses) so the net capacitance to the load is even smaller.
You would either need to significantly increase the capacitor values or the AC frequency. Typically, the frequency would be increased as the more economical/feasible solution. Connecting to a mains is NOT recommended especially if the goal is to create a large electrostatic field where power can be minimized.
The circuit as shown in the links using a source that produces a high AC voltage (from a 5 to 12V DC source) that is likely in the 10 KHz range or higher.
This paper provides more details on the formula for predicted ripple based on the input frequency and load current: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jece/2017/4805268/