Negative active material and lithium battery containing the negative active material

A negative active material comprising a primary particle, comprising a substantially spherical carbonaceous base material, having a circularity in the range of 0.7 to 1.0; and silicon-based nanowires disposed on the carbonaceous material. [0002] A lithium battery (30) comprising a negative electrode comprising the negative active material. [0003] The negative active material may increase the capacity and cycle lifespan characteristics of the lithium battery (30).