High current field emission cathodes containing nanomaterials, and methods for their production, are provided. An exemplary method comprises forming an electrically resistive layer on a cathode substrate, forming an adhesion promoting layer on the electrically resistive layer, and forming an electron emissive layer including nanomaterials on the adhesion promoting layer. Forming each layer can include depositing a suitable mixture followed by a heating process including three firing cycles. Deposition can be performed by electrophoretic deposition or a printing technique. The layers can be patterned to form islands separated by well-defined gaps on the substrate.

A method for fabricating an electron field emission cathode, the field emission cathode including a substrate having a field emission layer engaged therewith, where the field emission layer incorporates modified carbon nanotubes and a matrix material to improve field emission characteristics of the cathode and field emission cathode devices implementing such cathodes.

A field emission (FE) cathode for a vacuum electronic device (VED) includes a graphite substrate or framework in the shape of a hollow cylinder, and at least one continuous carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber in tension or compression around at least a portion of the graphite substrate. The at least one continuous CNT fiber can include a filament, yarn, braided yarn, film, fabric, or combination thereof. The at least one continuous CNT fiber is secured to the electrically conductive substrate by vacuum brazing or any other suitable means.