Catalytic pyrolysis experiments have been performed on rice husks and shown to improve some properties of the bio-oil in terms of the acidity, viscosity and heating values. ZSM-5 can be seen as a strong catalyst for the production of aromatic hydrocarbons and light phenols, and Al-MCM-41 for reducing the acidity in the bio-oil. Significant changes in the peak area can be evaluated from the GC–MS, even though the catalyst-to-biomass ratio is low. The catalyst attached to a clay binder on monolith support is proven to work, although the effect of the binder towards the pyrolysis activity requires more research. The extent of catalyst coking by the pyrolysis vapours on the catalytic activity also needs to be investigated further. Poisoning of the catalyst should not be a problem as the sulphur content in the feedstock is very low. Since rice husk has very high ash content, the inorganic elements present will already have a catalytic effect on the feedstock itself. BRHA, therefore was used in this case as a cheaper alternative to the zeolite catalysts, and have shown to improve the bio-oil quality reasonably.