This study characterized the catalytic combustions and emissions of litchi peels as a function of five catalysts as well as the effect of the best catalyst on the pyrolysis by-products. Na2CO3 and K2CO3 accelerated the devolatilization but delayed the coke burnout, while Al2O3 enhanced the coke oxidation rate. Both comprehensive combustion index and average activation energy dropped with the added catalysts. CO2, CO, and H2O were the main combustion gases between 300 and 510 degrees C. CO2, C-H, C=O, and C-O were generated from the pyrolysis between 200 and 430 degrees C above which CO2 and CH4 were slightly released. Total H2O, CO2, CO, NOx and SOx emissions declined with the added catalysts among which K2CO3 performed better. The main pyrolytic by-products at 330 degrees C were terpenoids and steroids (71.87%), phenols (15.51%), aliphates (9.95%), and small molecules (2.78%). At 500 degrees C, terpenoids and steroids (78.35%), and small molecules (3.20%) rose, whereas phenols (12.87%), and aliphates (5.83%) fell. Fatty acid, and ester decreased, while terpenoids, and steroids increased with MgCO3 at 330 degrees C. Litchi peels appeared to be a promising biowaste, with MgCO3 as the optimal catalytic option in terms of the bioenergy performance, and emission reduction. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.