Conversion of biomass to energy is undertaken using two main process technologies: thermochemical and biochemical/ biological. Pyrolysis is one of the primary thermochemical conversion methods to convert biomass into valuable prod- ucts, namely; solid char, liquid and gas product yields [8e10]. The liquid obtained from a pyrolysis process is considered to be a very promising biofuel. The liquid fraction usually contains acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, hetero- cyclic derivatives and phenolic compounds [11e14]. It is useful as a fuel, can be easily transported, be burned directly in thermal power stations, diesel engines, or gas turbines, be utilized as a feedstock in a conventional petroleum refinery and be upgraded to obtain more valuable light hydrocarbon fuels [8,15]. Their direct use as conventional fuels may present some difficulties due to their high viscosity, poor heating value, corrosiveness and instability [16,17]. Consequently, research has developed into upgrading the oils by catalytic treatment to produce a derived fuel product similar quality to a refined petroleum fuel