Considering the importance of bio-wastes thermo-chemical conversion to fuel and platform molecules, three types of zeolites (ZSM-5, Beta and Y) were tested as heterogeneous catalysts. Peanut shell is a high volume agricultural waste. Its pyrolysis mediated by different catalysts was evaluated. The effect of the zeolite matrix over the bio-oil yield and products selectivities was carefully considered. Fresh and used materials were widely characterized by XRD, FTIR, ICP and BET techniques. Pyrolysis reactions were done at 500 degrees C under N-2 flow. The use of zeolites in biomass pyrolysis showed interesting results in terms of bio-oil composition. When H-ZSM-5 catalyst was employed, higher bio-oil yields and greater concentration of aromatic hydrocarbons and furans were obtained. (C) 2021 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.