Our International XPS Spectra-Base

The terms “XPS database” and “XPS Spectra-Base” refer to collections of High Quality Reliable XPS Reference Spectra used in X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) for materials analysis. These databases contain essential information like binding energies, atom %s, tables of BEs, Overlays of related materials and Auger kinetic energies, which characterize the elements and their chemical states in a commercially pure material.
This commercial database offers monochromatic XPS reference spectra and binding energy (BE) tables, often as part of data processing software package or through a paid membership. It features a large library of spectra from hundreds of common materials, including polymers, oxides, and semiconductors.
XPS Spectra-Bases are crucial for:
  • Identification: Matching measured electron energies from an unknown sample to known reference values to identify the elements present.
  • Chemical State Analysis: Determining small shifts in binding energies (chemical shifts) that indicate how an element is bonded within a compound.
  • Quantification: Providing necessary physical parameters (like relative sensitivity factors or cross-sections) for accurate quantitative analysis of material composition.
  • Troubleshooting and Quality Control: Serving as a reliable reference for comparing experimental results and ensuring consistency in analysis. 
The data in these spectra-bases are typically critically evaluated by experts to ensure reliability of chemical state assignments.

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Feature Table of Numerical BE Numbers
(NIST SRD 20)		 International XPS Spectra-Base of
High Quality XPS Reference SPECTRA
Cost Free to use online. Quality of surface chemistry of chemicals used unknown.   Purchased (at a modest cost compared to buying instrument, pure chemicals, and making spectra internally).
Data Type ONLY NUMBERS  (binding energies, kinetic energies, chemical shifts, etc.). NO SPECTRA Contains full sets of reference spectra (BEs, FWHMs, satellite bands, peak shapes, peak-fits, VBs, survey spectra, atom% of surveys, tablesof BEs from NIST and others etc.) which are essential for reliable chemical state assignments.
Data Quality Data is compiled from thousands of published literature over many years with modest level of peer review and accuracy. Reliability is uncertain. Spectra are typically measured on modern, well-calibrated instruments by experts using standardized procedures.
Data Quantity 30,000 numbers, unverified, NO Spectra, poor calibration Contain thousands of high-quality reference grade spectra for various materials (polymers, oxides, etc.).
Reliability Concerns Old entries suffer from BE referencing variations due to the many different instrument calibration methods used by various analysts and recommended by instrument makers. Generally considered more reliable for specific spectral analysis because the data is collected under controlled, modern conditions and includes complete spectral information.
Integration  Web-based access, recently updated with new features like chemical shift plots and Wagner plots. Web-based access. Various Versions. Software and raw data are available for purchase.
Summary
  • Commercial databases are the tools of choice for professional analysts in industry or research labs that require high confidence in chemical state assignments. They provide complete, high-quality reference spectra that are essential for accurate peak fitting and detailed analysis, which is difficult to do with just numerical values. 
  • Use the NIST XPS Database for general reference, initial element identification, and for academic research where access to a free, foundational data set is necessary. It is excellent for identifying unknown lines and checking general values.