NaA-type zeolite/poly(vinylidene fluoride–co-hexafluoro-propylene) (PVDF–HFP)-coated PET nonwoven composite separator is demonstrated for application in lithium-ion batteries. The morphology, thermal stability and electrochemical performance of the composite separator were investigated. Results indicate NaA zeolite with stable physico-chemical properties and unique microstructure enables not only significantly enhanced thermal resistance, but also excellent wettability, for example the dimensional shrinkage of this separator was lower than 2% at 170°C for 1h and the ionic conductivity was up to 2.1×10−3Scm−1 at 25°C. The cell assembled with the present separator displayed superior cycling performance and higher discharge C-rate capacity than that assembled with commercial PP separator. NaA zeolite is preferable for high performance separator in lithium-ion battery.