Abstract: Provided are an electrolytic solution suitable for a lithium ion secondary battery that includes a positive electrode which has a positive electrode active material having an olivine structure, and includes a negative electrode having graphite as a negative electrode active material, and a superior lithium ion secondary battery having the electrolytic solution. The lithium ion secondary battery includes: a positive electrode that includes a positive electrode active material having an olivine structure; a negative electrode having graphite as a negative electrode active material; and an electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution contains LiPF6, a cyclic alkylene carbonate selected from ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate, methyl propionate, and an additive that starts reductive degradation at a potential higher than a potential at which the above components of the electrolytic solution start reductive degradation.

Abstract: An electrolytic solution contains: an electrolyte including a lithium salt represented by general formula (1) below; an organic solvent including a linear carbonate represented by general formula (2) below; and an unsaturated cyclic carbonate, wherein the linear carbonate is contained at a mole ratio of 3 to 6 relative to the lithium salt, and/or the lithium salt is contained at a concentration of 1.1 to 3.8 mol/L.

Abstract: An electrolytic solution contains: an electrolyte including a lithium salt represented by general formula (1) below; an organic solvent including a linear carbonate represented by general formula (2) below; and an unsaturated cyclic carbonate, wherein the linear carbonate is contained at a mole ratio of 3 to 6 relative to the lithium salt, and/or the lithium salt is contained at a concentration of 1.1 to 3.8 mol/L.

Abstract: Providing a silicon-containing material having a novel structure being distinct from the structure of conventional silicon oxide disproportionated to use. A silicon-containing material according to the present invention includes at least the following: a continuous phase including silicon with Si—Si bond, and possessing a bubble-shaped skeleton being continuous three-dimensionally; and a dispersion phase including silicon with Si—O bond, and involved in an area demarcated by said continuous phase to be in a dispersed state.

Abstract: Providing a silicon-containing material having a novel structure being distinct from the structure of conventional silicon oxide disproportionated to use. A silicon-containing material according to the present invention includes at least the following: a continuous phase including silicon with Si—Si bond, and possessing a bubble-shaped skeleton being continuous three-dimensionally; and a dispersion phase including silicon with Si—O bond, and involved in an area demarcated by said continuous phase to be in a dispersed state.