An ion pulse generator (100) includes a triboelectric generator (110), an ion emitter (132) and a conductive surface (134). The triboelectric generator (110) includes a first electrode (114), a spaced apart second electrode (120) and a first triboelectric layer (116). The triboelectric generator (110) generates a predetermined amount of charge as a result of relative movement of the first triboelectric layer (116). The ion emitter (132) is electrically coupled to the first electrode (114). The conductive surface (134) is electrically coupled to the second electrode (120) and is spaced apart from the ion emitter (132) at a predetermined distance. Generation of the predetermined amount of charge causes formation of ions between the ion emitter (132) and the conductive surface (134).