As Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem has grown, so too have the transaction fees that users must pay, sometimes reaching prohibitive levels. To address the network’s scaling challenges, numerous solutions have been introduced, with Layer 2 solutions emerging as the most promising and effective. Layer 2s are secondary blockchains that operate on top of a base blockchain, offering similar functionalities while alleviating the load on the main chain. This advancement has allowed users to diversify their interactions with decentralized applications (dApps) across multiple platforms, rather than being confined to a single one.

However, managing multiple platforms brings its own set of challenges, particularly the need to constantly maintain a balance of native tokens, or gas tokens, required to pay transaction fees. Transferring gas tokens between different blockchains can be both time-consuming and cumbersome. Fortunately, users can now turn to Blockscout’s suite of products — including Blockscout DeFi, zkBob, and DAppscout — to seamlessly refill their gas tokens, also known as “Refuel,” without any limitations or hassles.

So, what exactly are Blockscout and its associated tools that can assist you in topping up your gas fee tokens? Blockscout is a leading open-source platform that allows blockchain projects to build sophisticated, user-friendly block explorers, packed with a wide range of useful features. Recognized as one of the top block explorers in the industry, Blockscout is trusted by prominent blockchains like Optimism, Arbitrum, and Filecoin, all of which rely on Blockscout’s explorer services for their networks. Additionally, Blockscout is the go-to solution for Rollups support services, enabling them to provide tailored block explorers for clients building blockchain rollups.

The Blockscout block explorer is a versatile tool, designed to be the most user-friendly option for both developers and everyday users, offering a host of valuable features. Among these are Blockscout DeFi and DAppscout, two key functionalities integrated into nearly every Blockscout explorer. Blockscout DeFi provides quick access to essential DeFi operations like swapping tokens, making deposits, and topping up gas fee tokens. On the other hand, DAppscout serves as an application marketplace, allowing users to discover popular applications within the blockchain ecosystem they are engaging with, including those that support gas fee top-ups.

Although zkBob is not directly integrated into the Blockscout explorer, it is another innovative product developed by the same team. zkBob harnesses advanced blockchain technologies, particularly zero-knowledge proofs, to offer a highly secure, safe, and convenient platform for storing and transacting cryptocurrencies. While zkBob is primarily designed with security in mind, it can also be effectively used as a practical tool for topping up gas tokens, making it a valuable addition to your blockchain toolkit.

The Blockscout DeFi feature enables you to top up your gas tokens using the SmolRefuel app easily. With SmolRefuel integrated into Blockscout DeFi, you can swap any amount of tokens for the native token without incurring any gas fees. To get started, simply access the Blockscout explorer on the EVM network where you need to top up gas tokens. For instance, you can use the Blockscout explorer for the Base Network at https://base.blockscout.com.

Once you’re on the Blockscout explorer, click the Blockscout DeFi button located in the top right corner and select “Get Gas” from the dropdown menu.

You will then be redirected to the SmolRefuel app within DAppscout at https://base.blockscout.com/apps/smol-refuel.

Next, click the “Connect Wallet” button, followed by “Select Token” to choose the token you want to swap for gas tokens.

For example, if you want to swap 1,000 $LOUDER tokens for gas tokens, select $LOUDER as your token and enter 1,000 in the “Amount to Swap” field. Then, click the “Start Swap” button to initiate the process.

Next, click “Approve” to authorize SmolRefuel to swap your tokens. Once approved, you’ll receive an equivalent amount of gas tokens in return. For instance, in my example, I swapped 1,000 $LOUDER tokens and received 0.00056 $ETH as gas tokens.

If your screen displays the confirmation message, then you have successfully swapped your tokens for gas tokens.

This feature is especially useful for those who:
- Have tokens on a network but lack gas tokens
- Need a small amount of gas to complete a swap
- Only hold non-gas tokens on a single network

DAppscout is a dapp marketplace that enables you to access decentralized applications directly through Blockscout’s block explorers in a convenient and secure manner.

To access DAppscout, click the “DApps” button on Blockscout explorers, or visit directly using this link: https://base.blockscout.com/apps.

Next, on the Blockscout interface, click the “Bridge” section to view applications that facilitate transferring crypto assets from your current EVM blockchain to other chains. You’ll find a range of applications to choose from. Rest assured that the apps listed on DAppscout are curated by the development team or the blockchain’s own development team, minimizing the risk of encountering fraudulent applications. If you’re unsure which dApp to choose, rely on the safety score displayed above and the star ratings below each application to guide your decision.

If you find an app you’d like to use, select it and get started. For instance, you can use SmolRefuel, as previously described, or choose another app like Bungee. Simply click on the app, connect your wallet, and select the “Refuel” option to proceed.

Next, specify the network you want to send from and the network you want to receive on. Enter the amount you wish to bridge, then click the “Refuel” button to complete the process.

If you need to bridge a larger amount of gas tokens, use the “Bridge” function instead of “Refuel.” The process is similar, with steps akin to those for Refuel.

This method of transferring gas tokens is beneficial for those who:
- Have balances across multiple networks and need to transfer gas tokens to a different network
- Need to transfer a significant amount of gas tokens

zkBob is a protocol developed by the same team behind Blockscout, offering a secure and private solution for managing cryptocurrency assets. Think of zkBob as a wallet where transactions — both sending and receiving — and the assets you hold are invisible to third parties, enhancing the security of your assets and transactions.

In addition to its primary function, zkBob can serve as a “gas tank,” allowing you to store gas tokens and access them whenever needed. Thanks to its integration with gasless technology (no gas fees), you can refill your gas tokens even if your balance reaches zero.

To get started with zkBob and refill your gas tokens, visit https://app.zkbob.com. Click “Connect Wallet” to link your wallet and then select “zkAccount” to create your zkBob wallet.

After clicking on “zkAccount,” you will be directed to a screen where you can either create a new zkBob wallet or restore an existing one. If you are new to zkBob, select “Create new zkAccount” to set up your wallet.

You will then be presented with two options: “Use my Web3 wallet” and “Instant zkBob account.” Choose “Use my Web3 wallet” to create a zkBob account linked to your existing wallet address.

Next, select the type of wallet you use, whether it’s a browser extension wallet or a mobile/hardware wallet.

Then click “Sign the message” and confirm the transaction in your wallet.

You can set a password to add an extra layer of security to your account if you wish. Alternatively, you can skip this step by selecting “Skip.”

After creating your zkAccount, you’ll need to deposit $ETH into it to reserve gas. Click the designated button, select the Optimism network, and choose the $ETH token for the deposit.

Next, deposit $ETH into your zkBob wallet by entering the desired amount in the “Deposit” section. The minimum deposit amount is 0.001 $ETH, but it is advisable to deposit more than 0.001 $ETH to cover any potential withdrawal fees.

Then, click “Deposit”.

Then, sign the transaction to deposit the funds into your zkBob wallet.

After a short wait, the funds will be reflected in your zkBob wallet.

Now that you have $ETH tokens in your wallet, you can refill your gas whenever needed. If you run out of gas on Optimism, return to zkBob, click the “Withdraw” button, and you’ll be directed to the interface where you can withdraw $ETH to your wallet.

Enter the amount of $ETH you want to withdraw and your EVM wallet address where you want the tokens to be sent. Then, click “Withdraw” to complete the process.

Thanks to Account Abstraction technologies, you won’t need to sign transactions manually in your wallet.

After a short while, the $ETH tokens will be transferred to your wallet.

Managing gas tokens has become significantly easier with Blockscout’s suite of products, including Blockscout DeFi, DAppscout, and zkBob. These tools streamline the process of topping up gas, offering both convenience and security.

• Blockscout DeFi and SmolRefuel allow you to quickly top up gas tokens without complexity.

• DAppscout provides a comprehensive marketplace of dApps for assets bridging.

• zkBob not only enhances the security of your assets but also simplifies reserving and refilling gas on the Optimism network and other EVM chains.

With Blockscout’s advanced technologies, you can enjoy a seamless DeFi experience without the worry of transaction interruptions due to insufficient gas. Leverage these tools to optimize your blockchain interactions and enhance your DeFi journey!