Zinc borohydride is primarily used as a reducing agent in various chemical reactions. It is particularly effective in the reduction of esters, ketones, and aldehydes to their corresponding alcohols. This property makes it valuable in organic synthesis, where precise control over reduction processes is required.

In the field of materials science, zinc borohydride is utilized in the preparation of metal nanoparticles. It serves as a reducing agent to convert metal salts into their elemental forms, which is crucial for creating nanomaterials with specific properties.

Additionally, zinc borohydride finds application in hydrogen storage research. It is studied for its potential to release hydrogen gas upon decomposition, which could be harnessed for energy storage and fuel cell technologies. Its ability to store and release hydrogen makes it a candidate for developing more efficient and sustainable energy systems.

In the pharmaceutical industry, zinc borohydride is employed in the synthesis of certain drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Its reducing capabilities are leveraged to produce intermediates and final products with high purity and yield.

Overall, zinc borohydride's versatility as a reducing agent and its potential in energy storage make it a significant compound in both industrial and research settings.