Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol by Heterogeneous Catalysis: A Fractional Order Kinetic Model with Analysis

Abstract

The demand for glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel manufacturing, is anticipated to surpass supply, necessitating efficient conversion techniques for sustainability. The importance of effective conversion techniques is illustrated by the development of a system of fractional order differential equations using a literature reaction model. This study focuses on understanding and describing potential glycerol hydrogenolysis pathways by investigating the kinetics of a catalyzed hydrogenolysis model using qualitative analysis of fractional order differential equations, as there is limited research on the underlying reactions. The model is analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using fixed point theorems. It is found to be generalized Ulam-Hyers-Rassias stable. The impact of the fractional operator is studied through computational simulations using a two-step Lagrange polynomial. Graphs at different fractional derivative orders show the significant influence of the fractional order on the model's classes. Even though the results are based on a particular kinetic model, they aim to improve comprehension and description of the process.