In addition to XPS’s ability
to recognize elements, the binding energies in the XPS spectrum
yield information on the chemical state of the element
as well. Although the chemical bond contributions are included
in the same peak, they can be deconvoluted using Gaussian or
Lorentzian (or combined) peak fit. The ratios of the deconvoluted
peak areas correspond to the ratios of the bonds in atoms
(Kontturi, 2005). Therefore, XPS can be used to examine the
chemical states of carbon and oxygen in B-deficient plant cell
walls.