Ionic liquids (ILs) possess negligible vapor pressure, a low toxicity, a low melting point, and a vast liquid temperature range, rendering them as favorable candidates for new alternative solvents. However, some recent studies showed that ILs are flammable during thermal upsets. To explore the overall spontaneous combustion under upset conditions, we propose a safer method to investigate the IL's thermal hazards. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and flash point analysis results indicated that 1-butylimidazolium nitrate (IBIMI[NO3]) exhibits combustible characteristics and low thermal stability at high temperatures (over ca. 150.0 degrees C) during thermal decomposition. Meanwhile, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and vent sizing package 2 (VSP2) tests were used to describe the thermal properties of [BIM][NO3]. The thermokinetic parameters were further acquired by using an isoconversional method. The results demonstrate that the suitable combination of anion and cation might yield energetic ILs. (C) 2018 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.