Water can significantly influence the activity, selectivity, and stability of catalysts. In some cases, water can enhance the catalytic activity by providing a medium for protons or other ions to move more freely. For example, in acid-catalyzed reactions, water can donate protons, thus increasing the reaction rate. Conversely, water can also inhibit catalytic activity by competing with reactants for active sites or causing deactivation of catalysts through processes such as hydrolysis or leaching of active components.
