[neact] An electrochem question

Hello everybody,
     I have a question from Denny Chasteen at UNH. His daughter is a 
physicist working for the Exploratorium. For an experiment they have the 
students make 
a saltwater battery with aluminum and copper electrodes. Then they add acetic 
acid, which is supposed to prolong the cell's life.
     Does anyone know the nature of this chemical system? I seem to recall 
there being something unique about copper acetate, or of acetate ion in 
conjunction with copper.
     I assume we are buffering a particular pH for the cell?
     Thanks,
     Cary Kilner

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