A method for forming cathodes for use in field emission devices using nanoparticles, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), is disclosed. The CNT layer comprises the electron emitting material on the surface of the cathode. Using the methods of the present invention, the density of the deposited CNTs may be modulated by forming emitter islands on the surface of the cathode. The size and distribution of the CNT emitter islands serve to optimize the field emission properties of the resulting CNT layer. In one embodiment, the CNT emitter islands are formed using a screen-printing deposition method. The present invention may be practiced without further process steps after deposition which activate or align the carbon nanotubes for field emission.