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The use of additional spectral filtration for dual‐energy (DE) imaging using a dual‐source CT (DSCT) system was investigated and its effect on the material‐specific was evaluated for several clinically relevant materials. The x‐ray spectra, data acquisition, and reconstruction processes for a DSCT system (Siemens Definition) were simulated using information provided by the system manufacturer, resulting in virtual DE images. The factory‐installed filtration for the 80 kV spectrum was left unchanged to avoid any further reductions in tube output, and only the filtration for the high‐energy spectrum was modified. Only practical single‐element filter materials within the atomic number range of were evaluated, with the aim of maximizing the separation between the two spectra, while maintaining similar noise levels for high‐ and low‐energy images acquired at the same tube current. The differences between mean …