The invention relates to alkaline secondary batteries. The secondary battery contains a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte, said secondary battery being arranged between the cathode and anode and comprises an alkali metal ion conductive contact to the cathode and to the carbon layer of the anode. The anode contains or consists of a carbon layer, whereby the carbon layer, alone or in combination with an electrically conductive substrate, forms with an electrically conductive contact.