Step up with ideal diode
The switching controller 'knows' when current should flow, so it is indeed possible to replace the diode with a MOSFET that is switched on at the correct time. This feature is called "synchronous rectification".

For example, this is how it is implemented in the TPS61322 (the inductor is connected to the SW pin):



However, most chips do not have integrated transistors  capable of handling 80&nbsp;V.