Two-dimensional graphene with structural defects: elastic mean free path, minimum conductivity, and Anderson transition

Phys Rev Lett. 2011 Jan 28;106(4):046803. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.046803. Epub 2011 Jan 25.

Abstract

Quantum transport properties of disordered graphene with structural defects (Stone-Wales and divacancies) are investigated using a realistic π-π* tight-binding model elaborated from ab initio calculations. Mean free paths and semiclassical conductivities are then computed as a function of the nature and density of defects (using an order-N real-space Kubo-Greenwood method). By increasing the defect density, the decay of the semiclassical conductivities is predicted to saturate to a minimum value of 4e2/πh over a large range (plateau) of carrier density (>0.5×10(14) cm(-20). Additionally, strong contributions of quantum interferences suggest that the Anderson localization regime could be experimentally measurable for a defect density as low as 1%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Diffusion
  • Elasticity*
  • Electric Conductivity*
  • Electrons
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation

Substances

  • Graphite