Next crazy idea. Create a lattice or volume of high density cavities to hold Si. Design of experiments with 3D metal printing and perhaps some Si processing steps from semi conductor. So on a thin metal base print a pattern of dots with a material that vaporizes with heat or use acid to etch a pattern. Si nano particles are added to the holes. Cover/ fix in place the Si with a web of conductive material. So Li migrates to Si. Si expansion survives in the latticework.

Anyway the concept is to play around with materials and structures, find solutions then figure out a way to mass produce.

Si chips use all manner of processing steps that allow for mass production.