The catalytic effects of activated alumina (Al2O3) on the pyrolysis of Miscanthus x giganteus, a new energy crop, were investigated. Catalytic pyrolysis experiments carried out under static and nitrogen atmospheres were performed in a fixed-bed reactor. The final pyrolysis temperature was kept constant at 550 degrees C in all of the experiments. The effect of catalyst loading (by weight of feedstock as 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%), heating rate (10 degrees C and 50 degrees C min(-1)), nitrogen now rate (50, 100, 150 and 200 cm(3) min(-1)) on the pyrolysis conversion and product yields were investigated. The results were compared with those obtained in non-catalytic pyrolysis. Activated alumina catalyst has a strong influence oil the Miscanthus x giganteus pyrolysis product and conversion yield. Furthermore, the catalytic bio-oils obtained from catalytic pyrolysis under static and nitrogen atmospheres were examined using elemental analysis, column chromatography, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1 NMR) spectroscopy methods. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.