Conversion of ethylene into propylene with the siliceous SSZ-13 zeolite prepared without an organic structure-directing agent

•Siliceous (silica/alumina ratio > 20) SSZ-13 zeolite was obtained without organics.•Because of high SAR, as-synthesized SSZ-13 can be steamed at high temperature.•Steaming increased SAR and porosity, and removed octahedral aluminum effectively.•The SSZ-13s showed remarkable catalyses in ethylene conversion into propylene.•The remarkable catalyses were due to adequate SAR and removal of strong acid sites.