16. QUESTION There has been an ongoing global effort since the '70s to produce hydrogen for clean energy using solar power. This requires a reaction wherein water molecules split apart leaving behind hydrogen and oxygen. Attempts have mostly failed due to the high expense of getting the process right. But the University of Texas at Austin researchers have figured out how to affordably use sunlight to remove the oxygen molecules from water. This constitutes a landmark in the use of hydrogen to revolutionize a cleaner energy infrastructure. To cause water-splitting reactions, the scientists had to come up with a device made from materials that absorb sunlight efficiently without degrading in the process. They made electrically conductive paths through aluminum-coated silicon dioxide and filed a patent application for their mass-producible and cost-effective technology. What can be inferred regarding the future of renewable energy sources? O Using hydrogen as fuel will become cheaper in the future. O Sunlight can easily degrade hydrogen. O It is not worth researching hydrogen as a renewable energy source because iths too expensive. O In a few years, we will all drive hydrogen-powered vehicles