The nitrogen transformation with attention to the intermediates and NO precursors has been investigated during the primary pyrolysis of sewage sludge by using Pyrolyzer-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and Pyrolyzer-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (Py-FTIR). A three-stage process of nitrogen transformation during the sewage sludge pyrolysis was suggested. The decomposition of labile protein and inorganic ammonium salt mainly occurred in the first stage (<300 degrees C), giving rise to a small amount of NH3. In the second stage (300-600 degrees C), the macromolecular protein firstly cracked into small molecular amine compounds, and then went through deamination process, contributed to a large release of NH3. In the third stage (600-900 degrees C), the amine compounds converted into nitriles, and generated a large amount of HCN, while the formation of NH3 slowed down accordingly. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.