Bruce Kay

Bruce Kay is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). His research focuses on molecular-beam surface scattering techniques applied to ice surfaces, geochemical interfaces, and nanoporous materials for catalysis and sensing.

Research Interests

Kay's work centers on understanding chemical kinetics and reaction dynamics on ice surfaces, including both amorphous and crystalline films. He explores hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, interphase transport, and phase separation using thermal desorption and surface spectroscopy. His studies are relevant to Department of Energy programs in environmental restoration, waste processing, and contaminant fate and transport.

Additionally, he investigates physisorption and chemisorption on oxide surfaces, particularly magnesium oxide (100), and has developed nanoporous MgO films with high surface area and porosity for potential applications in sensors and catalysts.