Activity and stability of different Fe loaded primary catalysts for tar elimination

•Olivine, dolomite and Al2O3 performance was evaluated in tar elimination process.•Incorporation of Fe increases the catalytic activity of the primary catalysts.•Fe/Al2O3 leads to the highest carbon conversion, H2 yield and stability.•The higher acidity of alumina promoted the catalytic cracking reactions.•Catalyst deactivation is due to coke deposition and iron phase oxidation.