Abstract: A secondary battery or cell with improved rechargeability is obtained by combination of (A) a cathode active material comprising a chalcogen compound of a transition metal, (B) an electrolyte comprising an organic solvent having dissolved therein a lithium salt and (C) an anode active material comprising lithium metal in electrical contact with an electrically conductive carbonaceous material which is a pyrolysis residue of an organic material such as synthetic high polymers. The anode active material can be formed in situ within the battery, by self discharge of lithium metal into the carbonaceous material. The battery or cell is of excellent properties, such as stability or flatness of discharge voltage and electric capacity.