The oxidation of maleic and oxalic acids in diluted aqueous solutions and with platinum catalysts under potential control was studied with the purpose of defining the influence of potential on the catalytic activity. This control was achieved either by an external device or was spontaneously established in the presence of the reactants. The effect of the composition and of the pH was also investigated. Oxalic acid can be oxidized in mild experimental conditions (T = 333 K, P-O2 less than or equal to 1 bar) and at potential values of the catalyst comprised between 0.7

Keywords:WET-AIR OXIDATION;ORGANIC-COMPOUNDS;ADSORPTION;CARBON;ELECTRODES;RADIOTRACER;REMOVAL;PHENOL;OXYGEN;MEDIA