Gold multipod nanoparticles (Au Multipod NPs) containing multi-branches with sharp edges and tips were synthesized in high yield through a facile seed-mediated method using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), Brij35, Au seed nanoparticles, Ag+ ions, ascorbic acid, and sodium salicylate. The branch lengths of Au Multipod NPs were finely controlled by adjusting the molar ratio of mixed surfactants, and in particular by changing the amount of sodium salicylate. A formation mechanism for the star-shaped topologies was proposed and experimentally proved. The catalytic activity of the synthesized Au Multipod NPs was evaluated in ethanol electrooxidation reaction. The dependence of the catalytic performances on the nanostructural morphology was investigated. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.