A flexible ion generator device that includes a dielectric layer having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a top side, and a bottom side, at least one trace positioned on the dielectric layer and having a plurality of emitters engaged to the at least one trace, wherein the trace extends along the top side of the dielectric layer and along a substantially parallel plane with respect to either the first side or the second side and in predetermined locations periodically along the length of the dielectric layer, the at least one trace extends downwardly from the parallel plane for a distance and then upwardly towards the parallel plane.