Disorder-induced metallicity in amorphous graphene

We predict a transition to metallicity when a sufficient amount of disorder is induced in graphene. Calculations were performed by means of a first-principles stochastic quench method. The resulting amorphous graphene can be seen as nanopatches of graphene that are connected by a network of disordered small and large carbon rings. The buckling of the lattice is minimal and is a result of averaging of counteracting random in-plane stress forces. The linear response conductance is obtained by a model theory as function of lattice distortions, and results in a similar behavior as the first-principles calculation.