A lithium secondary battery of the present invention comprises a positive
electrode; a negative electrode; a separator interposed between the
positive and negative electrodes; and an electrolyte on the separator,
wherein the electrolyte includes a non-aqueous organic solvent, a lithium
salt, and a linear polymer having P.dbd.O bonds. The electrolyte improves
the swelling characteristics of lithium secondary batteries. A lithium
secondary battery with the electrolyte and a method for preparing the
electrolyte and battery is described.