Abstract: The high rate discharge performance and cyclability are improved. A battery having a hich capacity density and excellent cyclability and safety performance can be produced. A composite active material provided with a polymer on the surface of a carbon-based active material in an amount of from 0.01% to 5% by weight is used. Further, a composite active material provided with a polymer on the surface of a carbon-based active material in an amount of from 0.04 to 4% by weight is used. In particular, the former composite active material is used as a positive active material while the latter composite active material is used as a negative active material to obtain a non-aqueous electrolyte battery.

Abstract: Modified graphite particles are described, which have an almost circular and tabular shape, an average particle size Ap of 12 to 18 &mgr;m, a BET specific surface area Ss of 4 to 6 m2/g, and a BET specific surface area to average particle size ratio, Ss/Ap, of 0.35 or less, and which are obtained by treating tabular particles of lumpy or flaky graphite to break or slightly fold the periphery of the tabular particles to increase the degree of circularity. A battery having the modified graphite particles as an anode active material is also described.

Abstract: Modified graphite particles are described, which have an almost circular and tabular shape, an average particle size Ap of 12 to 18 &mgr;m, a BET specific surface area Ss of 4 to 6 m2/g, and a BET specific surface area to average particle size ratio, Ss/Ap, of 0.35 or less, and which are obtained by treating tabular particles of lumpy or flaky graphite to break or slightly fold the periphery of said tabular particles to increase the degree of circularity. A battery having the modified graphite particles as an anode active material is also described.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell a positive electrode, an alkaline electrolyte and a negative electrode made mainly of a hydrogen absorbing alloy containing a mixture of at least two rare earth elements including Ce whose content relative to the total amount of rare earth elements is less than 40 wt % and is preferably 0.1 wt % to 12 wt % or in the range 0.1-8 wt %, which gives still better capacity and life characteristics. Moreover, larger capacity characteristics can be obtained if the negative electrode contains a conductive powder preferably with an average particle diameter of 10 .mu.m or less as a subsidiary material.