Catalytic pyrolysis and liquefaction behavior of microalgae for bio-oil production.

•Catalytic pyrolysis and liquefaction behavior of microalgae was investigated.•Rare earth compounds as catalysts can significantly reduce pyrolysis activation energy.•The maximum bio-oil yield amounted to 49.71 wt%.•The combustion performances of Spirulina bio-oil were superior to rice husk bio-oil.