What is Nervos? How It Works & Where to Use It

Overview

Nervos at a glance.

Nervos CKB, the Common Knowledge Base, is the proof-of-work base layer of the Nervos Network, built to preserve value and store state for layers and apps built on top. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.

Total value locked (DeFi)

n/a

Value locked in DeFi protocols on Nervos. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.

Native token

CKB

Used for fees and securing the network. See the live CKB price.

How it works

How Nervos works.

Nervos CKB secures its base layer with proof of work using NC-MAX, an enhanced version of Nakamoto consensus. It splits transactions into a propose step and a commit step to speed up how blocks spread across the network, adjusts the block interval based on network conditions, and counts orphaned blocks in difficulty so that selfish-mining strategies are discouraged.

Consensus: Proof of work (NC-MAX)

Nervos CKB secures its base layer with proof of work using NC-MAX, an enhanced version of Nakamoto consensus. It splits transactions into a propose step and a commit step to speed up how blocks spread across the network, adjusts the block interval based on network conditions, and counts orphaned blocks in difficulty so that selfish-mining strategies are discouraged.

Cell model

State is held in cells, first-class assets owned by users that work like a generalized version of Bitcoin's unspent outputs and can hold data or code.

Storage-based tokens

Holding one CKB lets a user occupy one byte of on-chain storage, so the token represents space on the base layer rather than only a balance.

State rent

Storing data locks up CKB, and the cost of that storage is paid indirectly through a fixed secondary issuance instead of a one-time fee.

Nervos DAO

Holders can lock CKB in the Nervos DAO to offset the effect of secondary issuance, which helps protect long-term holders from that inflation.

Ecosystem & usage

What Nervos is used for.

Nervos centers on its CKB base layer, the Cell model for developers, and layers built on top.

Storing state

Lock CKB to store data and assets directly on a secure proof-of-work base layer.

Building applications

Use the Cell model to write smart contracts and custom assets that settle on Layer 1.

Holding and the DAO

Hold CKB and optionally lock it in the Nervos DAO to take part in the network's long-term token model.

In Zypto App

Hold, swap and spend CKB.

Nervos is integrated in Zypto App. Hold CKB in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.

Hold CKB in Zypto How to buy CKB

Be the reason Nervos ships next.

Nervos isn’t in Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.

Request on X

FAQ

Common questions.

What is Nervos CKB used for?

Nervos CKB is used to store state and assets on a proof-of-work base layer, to build applications with its Cell model, and to settle activity from higher layers.

How does Nervos reach consensus?

It uses proof of work with NC-MAX, an enhanced Nakamoto consensus that adds a propose-and-commit step, a dynamic block interval, and orphan-aware difficulty.

Why does CKB represent storage?

On Nervos, holding one CKB permits storing one byte of data on the base layer, so the token measures on-chain storage capacity rather than a plain balance.

What is the Nervos DAO?

The Nervos DAO lets holders lock CKB to offset the network's secondary issuance, helping protect long-term holders from that inflation.

Can I hold CKB in Zypto App?

Not yet. CKB isn't in Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Nervos using the "Request Nervos" button above.

Explore more chains