Electronic structure of rare-earth chromium antimonides RECrSb3 (RE=La-Nd, Sm, Gd-Dy, Yb) by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

► High-resolution core-line and valence band XPS spectra were measured for RECrSb3. ► Divalent Yb is present in YbCrSb3, in contrast to trivalent RE in other members. ► Asymmetric Cr 2p spectral lineshape confirms delocalization of Cr valence electrons. ► Small negative Sb 3d BE shifts support assignment of anionic Sb atoms. ► Fitted valence band spectra show shifts in the 4f band as RE is changed.