Dispersants are vital in catalysis for several reasons: 1. Enhanced Surface Area: By preventing the agglomeration of catalyst particles, dispersants maximize the effective surface area. 2. Improved Activity: Better dispersion leads to more active sites being available for the reaction. 3. Stability: Dispersants can help in stabilizing the catalyst particles, preventing deactivation. 4. Uniformity: They ensure a uniform distribution of catalyst particles, leading to consistent reaction rates and product quality.