Aviation Week and Space Technology has posted an article on some current research on
anti-icing technology. The first uses a soy based paint containing carbon nanotubes that is applied over the painted surface of the wing and driven by a current. The carbon nanotube based paint is more efficient at heating the leading edge due its better conductivity. The second effort studies the impact of
water droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces. This research is being done at GE and they have posted some very cool high speed videos of water drops impacting the superhydrophobic surface.