# How It Works

### MINT NFT

Users are able to leverage the Charged Particles [<mark style="color:red;">Protocol</mark> ](https://docs.charged.fi/other/glossary-of-terms#protocol)to mint/create new Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).&#x20;

In the future, you'll be able to energize *any* NFT you might own, and thus be able to bypass the minting station.

NFTs minted at the Charged Particles minting station are standard, non-custodial NFTs, held in your wallet - yours to trade, transfer, sell, etc. just like any other NFT - but able to be Energized and Charged.

### CHARGE NFT

The Charged Particles [<mark style="color:red;">Protocol</mark> ](https://docs.charged.fi/other/glossary-of-terms#protocol)allows users to deposit a primary asset such as DAI into their NFTs - or give them a [Charge](https://docs.charged.fi/other/glossary-of-terms#charge).

You are able to deposit *any* ERC token into your NFT, including other NFTs!

If the asset deposited  (e.g. DAI) is supported by Aave, it is then converted to the corresponding yield-bearing asset (e.g. aDAI) automatically, and will earn interest *inside* the NFT.

Principal and interest from the deposited asset remains inside the NFT until [Released](https://docs.charged.fi/other/glossary-of-terms#release) by the owner. &#x20;

The owner can optionally elect to [Time-Lock](https://docs.charged.fi/other/glossary-of-terms#time-lock) a Particle, in which case assets cannot be removed from it for the designated period.

#### Configurable Principal

The principal amount is configurable. Do you want to time lock until that asset can be withdrawn?  Possible!\
Additional features at the protocol level (but not in the DApp) include things like the ability to burn the NFT to retrieve the principal amount.

#### Programmable Interest

Your primary asset (e.g. DAI) has now been converted into a yield-bearing asset (e.g. aDAI). The interest generated from this asset is then programmable. Want a portion to go to charity? Want to always have a portion back to you (the creator)? You decide.&#x20;

#### Programmable Discharge

You decide what happens to the principle and accrued interest associated with your NFT. You can opt for the NFT to be 'melted down' or destroyed to unlock the value. The Charge (accrued interest) can always be withdrawn by the NFT owner.

## Want to get started making an NFT, right now?

{% content-ref url="../using-charged-particles/minting-an-nft" %}
[minting-an-nft](https://docs.charged.fi/charged-particles-protocol/using-charged-particles/minting-an-nft)
{% endcontent-ref %}

Or continue reading to learn about the current status, protocol revenue, and use-cases.