A light-emitting diode (1) has a first electrode (3), a second electrode (4), a light-emitting layer (5) which comprises a matrix, and ions. A layer (6) of a cation receptor (CR) is positioned adjacent to the first electrode (3), has captured cations, and has generated immobilized cations (+). A layer (7) of an anion receptor (AR) is positioned adjacent to the second electrode (4), has captured anions, and has generated immobilized anions (−). The ion gradients provide for quick response in emission of light (L) when the diode (1) is exposed to a forward bias. A diode (1) is manufactured by first forming a laminate (2) of the above structure. The laminate (2) is exposed to a forward bias to make the ions become immobilized at respective sites (S1, S2) of the respective receptors (CR, AR).