Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery

A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having excellent charge/discharge characteristics and a long cycle life, and generating a smaller amount of gas during storage than conventional batteries, comprising a positive electrode; a negative electrode; and a non-aqueous electrolyte comprising a non-aqueous solvent and a solute dissolved therein. This improvement is achieved by adding to the non-aqueous electrolyte a surface active agent represented by the general formula (1): X-CnF2n-Y-(CH2-CH2)m-Z where X is H or F, Y is -CONH- or -SO2NR- in which R is an alkyl group, Z is -OH, -CH3, -PO3W2 or -SO3W in which W is an alkali metal, 4