The present invention relates to electrospray emitters that have a rigid substrate layer, a second layer, a channel formed in one of the rigid substrate layer and an exit orifice in flow communication with the channel. The second layer is attached to the first layer. The exit orifice is capable of holding an electric charge. The electrospray emitter may be used with such devices as a mass spectrometer, a colloidal thruster or an ion mobility device. Additionally, it may be used to coat a surface.