Fe-SBA-15 was directly synthesised by hydrothermal method under weak acid.
Surface reaction played a critical role for oxalic acid degradation.
Fe-SBA-15 significantly accelerated the generation of hydroxy radical.
Adsorption of oxalic acid on Fe-SBA-15 was a vital step for its degradation.
Fe-SBA-15 maintained a good catalytic activity and stability after being used.