Subject: Would my idea of converting nuclear energy and electricty work?

I propose an idea to that could benefit our current energy crisis in California 
and the rest of the world.  Instead of using nuclear fission to heat water to 
create steam and using that steam to move turbines, what about a device that 
converts nuclear radiation into electricity without moving parts.  I know that 
the space program already has a device that converts the heat emitted by 
plutonium-238 into electricity for long range space vehicles.  This current 
technology is somewhat inefficient so I decide to make a new idea.  What you is 
take an ordinary fission reactor core which is surrounded by a material that 
acts like a photovoltiac panal used in solar energy plants.  I would think 
that, since the radiation from a nuclear reactor (as electromagnetic radiation 
in infrared to gamma wavelengths) is more intense than that of the solar 
radiation reaching Earth's surface, nuclear energy would create a greater 
electrical power output than solar energy.  Our current nuclear plant designs 
are plagued by the energy lost by heat and friction.  Could what I have 
proposed be applied to the new fusion reactors being made?  I'm thinking that 
someday I could become a physicist so I could one day make this a reality.  I'd 
be greatful if you would answer my question.

Re: Would my idea of converting nuclear energy and electricty work?