The present invention relates to a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery. The negative electrode of the present invention is characterized by its composite particles constructed in such a manner that at least part of the surrounding surface of nuclear particles containing at least one of tin, silicon and zinc as a constituent element, is coated with a solid solution or an intermetallic compound , which are composed of the element contained in the nuclear particles, and at least one other element except the elements contained in the nuclear particles selected from a group comprising group 2 elements, transition elements, group 12 elements, group 13 elements and group 14 elements except carbon of the Periodic Table. The electrolyte uses anion lithium salts of organic acid dissolved in organic solvent with high oxidation resistant characteristics. By adopting the above construction, a battery which generates only a small amount of gas during a high temperature storing can be obtained. Furthermore, the batteries enjoy high energy density and a lower reduction rate of discharge capacity when used repeatedly as well as high charge/discharge properties.