NOVELTY - A negative electrode consists of electrical power collector (12), and active material layer (15) containing negative electrode active material, aqueous binder and thickener having hydroxyl group and ester group. The content of aqueous binder and thickener in the negative electrode active material layer are 1-3 %mass and 0.5-1.5 %mass with respect to total content of negative electrode active material layer. The ratio of peak intensity of infrared absorption spectrum derived from hydroxyl group and carbonyl group in negative electrode active material layer satisfies preset relation.    USE - Negative electrode is used for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery (claimed) e.g. lithium ion secondary battery. Uses include but are not limited to electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles and portable electronic devices, e.g. motorbikes, three-wheeled vehicles, passenger cars, trucks, and buses, light cars and electric trains.    ADVANTAGE - The negative electrode provides nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery with improved lifetime, long-term reliability, battery characteristics e.g. long-term cycle characteristics, performance, vibration resistance, capacity, output characteristics, and charging and discharging efficiency.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A negative electrode consists of electrical power collector, and active material layer containing negative electrode active material, aqueous binder and thickener having hydroxyl group and ester group. The content of aqueous binder and thickener in the negative electrode active material layer are 1-3 %mass and 0.5-1.5 %mass with respect to total content of negative electrode active material layer. The negative electrode active material layer satisfy the formula: 0.1 less than or equal to X less than or equal to 1 (1), where X is the ratio (C=O peak intensity/-OH peak intensity) of the peak intensity of an infrared absorption spectrum derived from a carbonyl group of ester group in the negative electrode active material layer to the peak intensity of an infrared absorption spectrum derived from a hydroxyl group in the negative electrode active material layer. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery (10).    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a cross-sectional view of nonaqueous electrolyte lithium ion secondary battery.    Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery (10)    Anode collector (12)    Cathode active material layer (13)    Anode active material layer (15)    Battery exterior unit (29)