Colorants, dispersants, and dispersions are provided which include PNPs having a mean diameter in the range of from 1 to 50 nanometers, an acid value in the range of from 0 to 700 mg KOH/g PNP solids, an amine value in the range of from 0 to 250, a hydroxyl number in the range of from 0 to 250 mg KOH/g PNP solids, and containing at least 2 wt % of a polarizable group. Also provided are methods for preparing colorants, dispersants, and dispersions, which include PNPs.