The present invention is particularly directed to graphenic dispersion and slurry compositions and the production and uses thereof, where these compositions exhibit one or more of the hallmark strength, thermal or electrical properties of “pure” graphene while at the same time being optimized in terms of solubility or other properties necessary for compatibility with one or more end processes. In specific embodiments, a composition of matter includes a graphenic mixture and at least one species of polymerized product of benzyl alcohol, and a method of making such composition of matter comprises sonicating the graphenic mixture in heated benzyl alcohol. In a further specific embodiment, a composition of matter is formed by sonicating a graphenic mixture in heated benzyl alcohol, wherein the resulting composition exhibits a binder functionality in the absence of exogenous binder.