Abstract.In this paper the path of tar formation during biomass pyrolysis or gasification is described. When the reaction temperature is in the range of 800-900℃, the tar yield is between 2.5% -5%. Meantime, the primary tar approaches 0, the secondary tar content is 40-60%, the tertiary tar content is 20-60%; furthermore, the catalytic cracking of tar and calcined dolomite have some catalytic cracking ability to tar, and the disadvantages of mechanical strength and low anti-wear performance are poor; Nickel-based catalyst has high catalytic activity for tar and the tar removal rate is as high as 99%. A variety of alkali carbonate mixture of tar on the catalytic activity better than a single effect. In the actual application process, the choice of tar cracking catalyst depends on the pyrolysis or gasification of raw materials, treatment processes, reaction temperature and other factors considered.