A light emitting diode device comprising: a plurality of nanowires or nanopyramids grown on a graphitic substrate, said nanowires or nanopyramids having a p-n or p-i-n junction, a first electrode in electrical contact with said graphitic substrate; a light reflective layer in contact with the top of at least a portion of said nanowires or nanopyramids, said light reflective layer optionally acting as a second electrode; optionally a second electrode in electrical contact with the top of at least a portion of said nanowires or nanopyramids, said second electrode being essential where said light reflective layer does not act as an electrode; wherein said nanowires or nanopyramids comprise at least one group III-V compound semiconductor; and wherein in use light is emitted from said device in a direction substantially opposite to said light reflective layer.