Microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass for production of phenolic-rich bio-oil.

•Catalytic microwave pyrolysis of peanut shell and pine sawdust has been studied.•Activated carbon and lignite char had catalytic effects on product distribution.•Yield of phenolics as high as 61.19 %(area) was obtained during microwave pyrolysis of peanut shell.•For the first time, the formation of carbon nanotubes on biochar particles during microwave pyrolysis was observed.