The catalytic performance of a ceria-zirconia based catalyst for (i) steam/CO2 gasification and (ii) combustion of char produced during pyrolysis oil evaporation was investigated and compared with the non-catalytic scenario in the temperature range 600-800 degrees C. Kinetic studies revealed that the presence of the ceria-zirconia catalyst enhanced char gasification rates significantly, up to one order of magnitude at 800 degrees C, for both steam and CO2 gasification. It is suggested that the red-ox properties of the ceria-zirconia catalyst play a significant role in char gasification, by allowing oxygen mobility and activation of H2O and CO2. Furthermore, XPS and SEM characterization studies showed that the catalyst also influences the nature of char formed during pyrolysis-oil evaporation to a great extent, by forming oxygenated species which are expected to be more reactive. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.