Can universe still expand without energy and matter?

I heard dark energy is the intrinsic property of space and it cannot be particle because particle's density dilute when volume increase, I do not know how nothingness can have property and Einstein came up with a cosmological constant to fix his static universe model therefore mathematically he proved that space by itself can expand. Imagine a universe where empty space is devoided of energy and matter, can it expand?

• Dark energy isn't exactly the cause of expansion. Dark energy causes the expansion to accelerate. A cosmological constant causes a constant rate of expansion (or contraction). – PM 2Ring Jan 22 '19 at 4:00
• – anna v Jan 22 '19 at 4:58
• A cosmological constant does not cause a constant rate of expansion, which would be $a\propto t$; it causes exponential expansion, $a\propto e^{Ht}$. I think you meant to say that a cosmological constant causes a constant Hubble parameter, which is $\dot{a}/a$, not $\dot{a}$. – G. Smith Jan 22 '19 at 5:09
• The model I'm referring to is called Einstein blunder as the author of the science journal said, i also know there are many other models such as phantom field and one which requires us to know the true energy of higgs field instead of lowest potential and many more. Hope it clear up the confusion, thanks. – user6760 Jan 22 '19 at 5:15
• – anna v Jan 22 '19 at 5:22