Steps 1 and 2 correspond to the experimental phase, which involves the synthesis and characterization of carbon dots through the traditional method of trial-and-error approach optimizing their parameters. Steps 3, 4, and 5 represent the methodology proposed in this study, which introduces a systematic approach to collecting and analyzing experimental data. Relevant articles were identified systematically in scientific databases, including ScienceDirect. The inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting the hydrothermal synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) from green precursors such as fruits, vegetables, leaves, waste, or food sources. The search covered publications from 2012 to 2024, using keywords such as "carbon dots", "hydrothermal", and "green synthesis".