An XPS investigation of loss feature and peak shape analysis of the ch
romium 2p region has been performed. The approach is based on the use
of a modified Shirley background model and requires the estimation of
an individual background for each component of the photopeak under exa
mination. The results obtained from the analysis of clean and oxidised
chromium metal and pure Cr2O3, notwithstanding possible shortcomings
in the model, give evidence for the importance of a proper considerati
on of satellite structures in the peak synthesis of Cr 2p XPS spectra.
The results also have important ramifications in the peak fitting of
the 2p spectra of other d-band transition metals such as manganese, ir
on and cobalt.