Optimization of plasmonic nanofluid filters for spectral splitting photovoltaic/thermal systems

•PV/T performance is improved by optimizing plasmonic nanofluid filters via MFmodel.•Optical characteristics of core-shell nanofluids are investigated theoretically.•A numerical model is used to study effect of nanofluid parameters on PV/T performance.•The optimization procedure tends to enhance electrical efficiency firstly.•Au@SiO2-Ag@SiO2blended nanofluids show a cost-effectivity for application in filters.