XPS insights: Asymmetric peak shapes in XPS

Abstract

The misinterpretation of peak asymmetry as higher oxidation states in x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is regretfully all too common. This XPS Insight note introduces the theory of peak asymmetry in x-ray photoelectron spectra and such asymmetry is discussed for a range of different classes of materials to afford analysts a more informed view of their spectra.