Abstract This study investigates the catalyzed pyrolysis of corn cob as a lignocellulosic biomass, aiming to enhance understanding of thermal decomposition and optimize the production of bio-oil, non-condensable gases, and char. Utilizing a detailed kinetic model adjusted with experimental data, it accurately predicts the impact of operational conditions, such as temperature and heating rate, on the quality and quantity of the products. The model’s validation, achieved by comparing its predictions with existing experimental results, confirmed the reliability of the approach. This research not only provides valuable insights for optimizing biomass pyrolysis but also lays a solid foundation for the design of more efficient thermochemical processes, contributing to the sustainable production of energy and chemicals from renewable resources. Significant findings include notable increases in the production of H2, CO, and CO2 within the 650°C to 950°C temperature range, while CH4 production remained relatively constant. The study also observed a peak liquid yield at 70% under optimal conditions, decreasing due to cracking effects, and highlighted the critical role of pyrolysis temperature in maximizing conversion efficiency. The developed model emerges as a crucial tool for process optimization, emphasizing the importance of biomass conversion research in advancing renewable energy solutions and the circular economy. The work not only provides valuable insights into the thermal behavior of corn cob but also offers a framework for exploring the pyrolysis of other biomass types, promising a significant impact on the development of efficient thermochemical conversion processes emphasizing the importance of biomass conversion research in advancing renewable energy solutions and the circular economy.