Where and how you can use 1/4" cbu panels depends on which type you buy. There are two 'classes' of cbu panels: 'normal' cement boards, and fiber-cement boards. HardieBacker is a fiber-cement board. The fibers, cellulose, add some reinforcement to the panel, making it stiffer, but also harder to cut.
Most cbu 1/4" panels are not designed for use on a wall, but HardieBacker can be used if the studs are NGT 16" OC...the others can't.
CBU tends to be quite heavy, and you don't really want a lot of seams you will then have to tape. Using their larger panels would be really tough to do a ceiling with without a lift, plus, getting them home unbroken is harder.
You may want to check with the respective panel manufacturer to verify their suitability for your specific application.