Finding materials:

There are many choices in spray on de-icing chemicals.  There are new suppliers adding liquid de-icers to their line.  One consideration in picking the best product for your application is which chemicals are available to you in your area.

Calcium Chloride is very effective in for melting ice.  It can be purchased as a liquid, flake or pellet.  It will melt more ice at lower temperatures then other common chemicals and do it faster.  It will not have a lot of effect on vegetation or concrete but will corrode metal.  Effective to -25 degrees F.
Magnesium Chloride is considered one of the best ice melting chemicals because it is less corrosive to metals, lets irritating to skin, less harmful to people, skin, and animals and less toxic.  It is effective to -5 and is sometimes combined with sodium chloride.
Potassium Chloride will work to + 12 Degrees F.  It does not harm plants.  It does not attack concrete but can help frost damage accelerate.  It leaves a small amount of residue and needs to be applied at a slightly higher rate than other chemical choices.
UREA   has limited effectiveness in ice control.  It is used more as a fertilizer.  It is effective to +15 and needs to be used at a slightly higher rate than other chemicals.
CMA, Calcium Magnesium Acetate is only good to +20 degrees F, it is made from dolomitic limestone and acetic acid.  It has a low level of corrosiveness, about that of tap water.  It is biodegradable, and not toxic.
Salt Brine  Sodium Chloride solutions can be sprayed in liquid applications.  Some units to make brine from rock salt are available.     Works best a temperatures near or just below the freezing mark.