Systems, apparatus and methods for bonding and/or sealing electrochemical cell elements and assemblies

Apparatus, systems, and methods for bonding one element (210) of an electrochemical cell or cell stack to another (211) wherein a sealing grove (218) with a complex cross-sectional shape receives and retains a bead (214) of adhesive prior to being assembled. The complex cross-sectional shape has a raised portion (220) sized to receive and retain the bead of adhesive, and at least one depressed portion (222) to receive adhesive displaced from the raised portion during assembly. Embodiments of the invention incorporate raised portions with straight, beveled, curved, and rough surfaces to increase the strength of the bond between the respective elements.