QUANTUM-INFUSED BLOCKCHAIN: A REVIEW OF CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND EMERGING ARCHITECTURES

ABSTRACT

The union of blockchain technology and quantum computing represents a break from secure and decentralised digital platforms. Blockchain provides transparency, immutability, and distributed trust but is increasingly exposed to quantum attacks, especially those aimed at classical cryptographic systems. This review consolidates current advances and challenges where these two paradigms intersect and discusses how quantum capabilities, specifically quantum key distribution (QKD), post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and quantum randomness could enhance the resistance and performance of blockchain technology. This article covers quantum-induced susceptibilities in existing distributed ledgers, identifies the emergence of hybrid architectures such as QIoTChain and QCoT, and assesses their potential use in the healthcare sector, financial institutions, and smart cities. The paper recommends an agenda that deals with the issues of unresolved scalability, hardware readiness, governance, and cross-domain standardization. Quantum computing on its path towards practical application needs to be combined with blockchain, not just as a matter of strategy, but as a fundamental component towards building safe and sustainable digital ecosystems.

Keywords: Blockchain Technology, Quantum Computing, Post-Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Key Distribution, Smart Contracts, Distributed Ledger Technology