He is credited with discovery of nitrocellulose in 1846, independently to Schönbein, and with the synthesis of the first organocopper compound copper(I) acetylide Cu2C2 in 1859.

In 1824, Böttger started to study theology, but in parallel also attended the science lectures at the University Halle.

His first major work in Frankfurt was the improvement of the electrotyping method for the production of printing plates, he created the first practical nickel electroplating solution (1840).

[2] Böttger received his PhD from the University of Jena in 1837 and was appointed as full professor in Frankfurt in 1842.

The development of the safety match in 1848 and the synthesis of the first organocopper compound, the explosive copper(I) acetylide Cu2C2 in 1859[3] were examples for his chemistry research.