This Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation, under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041), provides $432,630 to Southern Illinois University Carbondale from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025. The funding supports two key objectives: developing novel proton-conductive membranes with zirconium barriers to reduce unwanted metal electrolyte crossovers in iron-titanium redox flow batteries; and testing tubular cell designs to achieve leak-free operation. Specifically, the awardee will synthesize new dihydroxybenzene monomers for co-polymerization to create phosphorylated polysulfone membranes with zirconium impregnated inside to act as a barrier. Additionally, they will evaluate a co-extrusion fabrication method for continuous production of tubular redox flow battery cells, which offers manufacturing cost reductions through simplified sealing and potential for half-cell or full-cell production in a single step. The goals are to develop lower-cost and fire-safe batteries for energy storage from renewable sources.