>>11498429Lots of materials science types of topics - Improving desired physical properties for a desired purpose, while still being viable for real-life implementation. Lots of improving efficiency of already existing technologies - often leading to new methods and processes.
For example:
Increasing efficiency of solar panels / photovoltaics - new materials and configurations have increased their viability over the past few decades
Increasing viability of metal 3D printing is of particular interest to industry as a new method of fabrication. The struggle is now with the porous structure / high void fraction it leaves which significantly reduces the strength of fabricated parts.
Simpler biosensors for easy detection of the concentration of specific molecules in the body are common topics nowadays. Via analyzing sweat, blood, wound samples and breath etc.
Industrial catalysts seem to be a constant PhD topic via new packing materials and systems for things like absorption columns. Also catalysts for pharma purposes often crosses over between biochem/biomedical engineering.
