Could you make an ion generator with copper wire and aluminum foil?
Because there is no source of electromagnetic energy in those two substances and the substances are not reactive with themselves or each other, there is no way to build any kind of generator. However, with copper wire and a magnet, you could build a small electric generator by wrapping the copper wire into an oblong solenoid and placing the magnet at a fixed position nearby, then rotating the copper wire on its axis in the presence of the magnet. This will generate a current in the copper wire. In order to generate actual ions of any sort, that will depend on the type, charge, and concentration of ions desired. Because ions are generally not stable in uncontrolled environments, it is unlikely that any kind of ion could be generated in quantities much greater than the autoionization of water produces.
