Biomass is a kind of low-cost

accessible

environmentally-friendly

widely distributed and renewable carbon source. The production of renewable energy from biomass can effectively alleviate energy pressure and reduce environmental pollution. Microwave-assisted pyrolysis technology has the characteristics of selective and volume heating

fast heating

easy control and energy saving. It can realize efficient conversion of biomass

which is currently recognized as a more effective and stable way than the conventional biomass pyrolysis technology. This paper focuses on the progress of microwave technology research in the field of biomass pyrolysis in recent years. It elaborates on its target products: bio-oil

syngas and high value-added carbon materials

and analyzes the mechanism of microwave pyrolysis. Finally

it summarizes the problems existing in application of the microwave technology in biomass pyrolysis

proposes the solutions and forecasts the development prospects.