A negative electrode for a battery has a collector, active material layer, and inorganic compound layer. The active material layer is formed on the collector. The inorganic compound layer is formed on the surface of the active material layer. The inorganic compound layer is expressed by general formula Li.sub.xPT.sub.yO.sub.z or Li.sub.xMO.sub.yN.sub.z. The compound composing the inorganic compound layer has lithium ion conductivity and excels in moisture resistance.