Influence of the synthesis route on the electrocatalytic performance for ORR of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles

•AuNPs were synthesized by two different citrate-based reduction methods.•AuNPs produced with the Bastús method provided better particle-size distribution but worse crystallinity.•AuNPs produced with the Turkevich method provided higher electrocatalytic performance for ORR.•The effect of the synthesis route on the electrocatalytic activity of AuNPs was demonstrated.