In this study zeolite mordenite (MOR-ST) was directly synthesized by hydrothermal method using starch as template successfully. The morphological characterization of the samples was fulfilled by XRD, SEM and BET. SEM showed that the as-synthesized MOR-ST displayed a flammulina-like morphology and smaller crystalline size in comparison with the conventional mordenite (MOR-TEA) synthesized by TEAOH template. Additionally MOR-ST presented bigger BET surface area, smaller bulk density and higher hydrothermal stability. The catalytic performance of MOR-ST and MOR-TEA were studied using Daqing wax oil in a quartz micro-reactor at 500 degrees C. The results revealed that MOR-ST provided remarkably enhanced activity and higher gasoline yield in crack of wax oil in sharp contrast to MOR-TEA (conversion 85.70 wt.% vs. 69.00 wt.%). (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.