The catalytic solvolysis of Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) lignin in a formic acid/water media was explored at different temperatures and reaction times (283-397 degrees C and 21-700 min, respectively). Non-catalyzed experiments were compared with the effect of three different type of bifunctional catalysts (Pd/Al2O3, Rh/Al2O3 and Ru/Al2O3) and a solid Lewis acid (gamma-Al2O3). We demonstrated that surface response methodology (RSM) and principal component analysis (PCA) were an adequate tool to: (i) evaluate the effect of the catalysts, temperature and reaction time in the oil yield, oil quality (H/C and O/C ratios, and M-w) and composition of the oil, (ii) establish the differences and/or similarities between the three bifunctional catalyst and (iii) to determine the role of the noble metal and the alumina support in the reaction system. In addition, the most active catalysts, Ru/Al2O3, and the optimum reaction conditions were determined (i.e. 340 degrees C and 6 h). (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.