The incorporation of virtual tools has been shown to enhance comprehension and engagement in chemical engineering education. To support practical learning in photocatalytic reactor design, the LEDsModel Lab simulator was developed in MATLAB® R2024b and fully compatible with GNU Octave (version 9.2.0), focusing on the determination of the Local Superficial Rate of Photon Absorption (LSRPA) and the influence of reactor configuration on light distribution. Through four case studies, students apply theoretical models to practical scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Fully integrated into the Advanced Analysis and Design of Chemical Reactors course (6 ECTS, Master’s in Chemical Engineering, University of Granada), preliminary classroom observations indicate a positive trend in student performance, accompanied by increased engagement with photocatalytic reactor modelling. This is reflected in higher grades and lower failure rates, alongside a clear strengthening of key competencies in problem-solving, quantitative analysis, and computational modelling. Its implementation has further allowed an expansion of course content to include intrinsic photocatalytic kinetics, demonstrating the potential of interactive simulation tools to enrich curriculum content, improve learning outcomes, and prepare students for the analytical and practical challenges of modern chemical engineering. • Interactive MATLAB®/Octave simulator for photocatalytic reactor design. • Focus on Local Superficial Rate of Photon Absorption (LSRPA). • Implementation improved student academic performance. • Enables intrinsic kinetic studies and reactor scaling. • Competencies and didactic implications thoroughly discussed.
Parra-Marfil et al. (2026) studied this question.