A negative electrode containing an alloying material and a graphite
material for providing a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery with a
high capacity and excellent cycle characteristics. The negative electrode
includes graphite and at least one alloying material capable of
electrochemically absorbing and desorbing Li. The alloying material
includes an A phase composed mainly of Si and a B phase including an
intermetallic compound of at least one transition metal element and Si.
At least one of the A phase and the B phase includes a microcrystalline
or amorphous region. The weight percentage of the A phase relative to the
total weight of the A phase and the B phase is greater than 40% and not
greater than 95%. The weight percentage of the graphite relative to the
total weight of the alloying material and the graphite is not less than
50% and not greater than 95%.