Ethereum research explores zk-based privacy for mainnet

Privacy enabling zero-knowledge functionality needn’t be limited to layer-2 and could be applied to Ethereum’s base layer, research shows

article-image

evan_huang/Shutterstock, modified by Blockworks

share

New research into the Ethereum blockchain looks at ways to use zk-SKNARKs (zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive argument of knowledge) to enable private transactions using Solidity, the primary programming language on Ethereum.

This research is primarily focused on being able to enable privacy-enhancing functionality that is traditionally reserved for layer-2 networks built on top of the Ethereum application layer. 

According to Mirror Tang, co-founder of Salus Security and author of the research paper, enabling ZK functionality within Solidity may remove the need for layer-2 blockchains, such as zero-knowledge rollups

“A lot of DeFi activity remains on Ethereum L-1, and less so on L-2s,” Tang told Blockworks. “If we can use computational optimization to enable ZK technology on Solidity, we would be able to reduce gas fees on Ethereum itself significantly.”

This may allow transaction activity to be concentrated on Ethereum rather than its disparate L-2 ecosystems, Tang explained.

There are existing technical barriers to introducing zk-SNARKs to Ethereum, however. 

For example, Solidity is currently single-threaded in nature, meaning that it executes one transaction at a time. It will be important, therefore, to find ways to introduce multithreading to Ethereum. 

Further, to enable zk-SNARKs to operate effectively and securely on the network, it will be necessary to ensure it is auditable. 

By nature, ZK technology relies on provers to send accurate proofs to third-party verifiers without revealing the information of the statement, meaning there would be additional storage requirements at the verification stage. 

Absent these barriers, Tang’s research indicates Zk-SNARKs on Solidity could enhance privacy and improve MEV resistance by enabling private transactions and voting on existing Ethereum projects. Fast-tracking the verification process would enhance the performance of the blockchain as a whole.

This research, if pursued, would be entirely open-source, enabling further development and contribution by the Solidity community, Tang said.

He hopes that his research will be noticed by venture capitalists in the crypto community so that his team can continue working towards making its findings a reality. 

Interview with Tang was conducted in Mandarin. Quotes in this article have been translated from Mandarin to English.


Get the news in your inbox. Explore Blockworks newsletters:

Tags

Decoding crypto and the markets. Daily, with Byron Gilliam.

Upcoming Events

Javits Center North | 445 11th Ave

Tues - Thurs, March 24 - 26, 2026

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

recent research

Unlocked by Template.png

Research

The march toward an interoperable and onchain-by-default internet depends on reliable messaging and value transfer across heterogeneous domains. Crosschain protocols now process >$1.3T in combined annual transfer volume and secure tens of millions of user interactions, yet no single design dominates.

article-image

Reform UK’s party leader Farage took the stage at DAS London this morning

by Blockworks /
article-image

Friday saw dramatic crypto market activity in the hours after President Donald Trump threatened a new flare-up in US-China trade tensions.

article-image

Officials suspect potential insider trading after wagers on Nobel Peace Prize winner surged hours before announcement

by Blockworks /
article-image

The bank will allow bitcoin and ether fund exposure in any account type, marking a post-election shift in Wall Street’s crypto stance

by Blockworks /
article-image

The CFTC-regulated event-trading platform expands into hybrid markets as Wall Street and crypto investors converge

by Blockworks /
article-image

The Bank of Russia will let banks handle cryptocurrencies under tight reserve caps as lawmakers prepare a digital asset bill

by Blockworks /