Preparation, Characterization, and Aviation Application of Electrothermal/Photothermal Carbon-Based Composite Films via Multiscale Nanostructure Construction: A Review

Conventional electric heating films for aviation are fabricated by embedding metallic heating elements into silicone rubber or polyimide substrates via calendering processes. Due to thickness and power density constraints, the application of these films in the field of rapid deicing and anti-icing may be limited. Besides, the photothermal conversion requires sufficient ambient light; thus, in aviation, it is typically combined with electrothermal heating. In contrast, emerging carbon-based materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and MXene demonstrate excellent film-forming capabilities when integrated with polymer matrices, owing to their superior electrical and thermal conductivity. Through composite design strategies, these films can also achieve photothermal conversion, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and heat output. As a result, they represent promising candidates for lightweight, low-energy deicing systems in aviation. Nevertheless, carbon-based heating films still lack comprehensive engineering data and remain largely at the laboratory stage. Meanwhile, the design of a synergistic optimization strategy for the surface structure and internal micro/nanofilm architecture of carbon-based films to enhance anti-icing and deicing performance represents another development direction. Therefore, this paper reviews the mechanisms of ice formation on aircraft surfaces and anti-icing strategies, summarizes recent advances and technical challenges associated with carbon material-based heating films, and explores possibilities for multifunctional integration. Finally, we highlight potential development trends and provide engineering recommendations to address the urgent demand for high-performance deicing technologies in the aviation industry.