IC boost converter performs poorly in breadboard prototype circuit: is this to be expected?
I wouldn't expect a 1MHz boost converter to work well on a breadboard.  The SOT to DIP adapter would add parasitic inductance.  The breadboard itself would add parasitic capacitance.

In general, switch mode power supplies can be layout sensitive.  If I were doing a PCB layout, I would just replicate the layout of the evaluation kit for TLV61220 (pp.6-7).